Warner Robins man sentenced to 25 years without parole in child kidnapping case
A Houston County jury convicted 63-year-old Richard Wayne King of kidnapping on July 14 following a two-day trial that began July 13.
WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A Warner Robins man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of kidnapping a 5-year-old boy from a school bus stop, according to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office.
A Houston County jury convicted 63-year-old Richard Wayne King of kidnapping on July 14 following a two-day trial that began July 13.
King was sentenced to 25 years in prison without parole, followed by the remainder of his life on probation.
According to the district attorney’s office, the kidnapping occurred on October 17, 2024, when King abducted a then-5-year-old boy from a school bus stop at the Lake Vista Apartments in Warner Robins.
Authorities said the Warner Robins Police Department located King about an hour later at the McDonald’s at 1879 Watson Blvd.
The district attorney’s office said a McDonald’s manager and a customer became concerned because the child did not appear to belong with King. They monitored the situation and contacted law enforcement.
According to prosecutors, the child was not harmed and was not related to King.
Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth E. McDaniel released the following statement:
“This is one of those cases that you think only happens on television. There are members of our community who would be shocked to hear that something like this happened right here in Houston County. However, this is also one of those cases that reminds you just how wonderful our community is. The courageous actions of the McDonald’s employee and the patron saved that little boy. I am honored to have assisted in providing justice to the now seven-year-old child and his family.”
District Attorney Eric Edwards released the following statement:
“This case had the potential to become every parent’s worst nightmare. Thankfully, because of the vigilance and compassion of two ordinary citizens who trusted their instincts and took action, a five-year-old little boy was safely recovered before he was harmed. The manager and a patron at the McDonald’s on Watson Boulevard exemplified what it means to look out for one another. Rather than assuming everything was fine or worrying about being mistaken, they recognized that something did not seem right, kept the child safe, and immediately contacted law enforcement. Their willingness to act made all the difference. I am equally grateful for the outstanding response of the Warner Robins Police Department, particularly Detective Chad Pierce and the officers who worked quickly to locate the child and apprehend the defendant. I also commend Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth McDaniel for her excellent work in securing this conviction. This case should serve as a reminder that public safety is truly a community effort. Law enforcement cannot be everywhere at once, but when attentive citizens and dedicated officers work together, lives are protected. Because of those Good Samaritans, this story ended with a child safely reunited with his family rather than as a far greater tragedy.”