Georgia Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole After Beating, Strangling Girlfriend and Hiding Her Body in a Suitcase
THOMASTON, GEORGIA — A Georgia man will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole after prosecutors proved he brutally beat and strangled his girlfriend to death, then wrapped her body in a comforter, stuffed her into a suitcase, and casually went about his day, including buying lottery tickets and going to work.
Jury Convicts Defendant on Multiple Murder Charges
Frederick Durham, of Upson County, was found guilty last week of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and concealing the death of another, according to the Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
Following the verdict, a judge sentenced Durham to life in prison without parole for the killing of Margaret Dubinion, which occurred in October 2023.
Assault Triggered by ‘Disrespect,’ Prosecutors Say
According to prosecutors, Dubinion was inside her Thomaston home with Durham, her live-in boyfriend, when the deadly attack unfolded.
In his own confession, Durham claimed Dubinion had been “disrespecting him by calling him vulgar names” and would not stop arguing.
Prosecutors described his response as violent and deliberate.
“He held her down with his left hand while he beat her about the head with his right hand,” the district attorney’s office said in a press release.
Victim Suffered Severe Injuries Before Being Strangled
Authorities said Dubinion suffered catastrophic injuries during the prolonged assault, including:
- Bleeding on the brain
- Swollen eyes
- Broken ribs
- Broken cervical bones
After beating her, Durham strangled Dubinion to death, prosecutors said.
Body Hidden in Suitcase as Defendant Went About His Day
Following the killing, Durham wrapped Dubinion’s body in a comforter, then folded her into a suitcase and placed it inside a closet, according to investigators.
Rather than seeking help or contacting authorities, prosecutors said Durham left the apartment and continued his routine.
“After leaving the suitcase in the closet, he went to work, went to buy lottery tickets, and then went to Atlanta in the victim’s car,” the DA’s office stated.
Durham told police he was unsure whether Dubinion was alive or dead when he placed her in the suitcase — and later refused to give the family a clear answer.
Family Finds Victim After Welfare Check
Dubinion’s relatives reported her missing on Friday, October 20, 2023, prompting police to conduct a welfare check at the home she shared with Durham. Neither was present.
The following morning, family members returned to the apartment themselves.
Inside the closet, they made a devastating discovery — Dubinion’s body hidden inside a suitcase.
Prosecutors Call Killing ‘Evil’ and ‘Heartless’
Senior Assistant District Attorney Audrey D. Holliday condemned Durham’s actions following the conviction.
“This defendant had a malignant and abandoned heart,” Holliday said.
“He left Ms. Dubinion in a suitcase and refused to give this family an answer on whether she was alive or dead when he did so.”
She credited the victim’s family for their persistence.
“This was an evil act from a person who had no compassion for this family,” Holliday added.
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