More than a decade after a Georgia mother of four was killed while working at her job, investigators say new forensic technology has finally led to a long-awaited arrest.

Authorities in Douglas, Georgia, announced that 58-year-old Willie James Jr. has been charged in connection with the 2010 killing of Sandra Latrail Robinson, a case that had remained unsolved for nearly 16 years. According to local reporting by WALB, investigators said advancements in forensic testing helped them identify a suspect and move forward with charges.

Robinson, 32 at the time of her death, was working at the Prepaid Superstore on March 17, 2010, when she was attacked. Investigators believe the fatal stabbing occurred between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. during normal business hours, shocking the small South Georgia community.

For years, the case went cold, leaving Robinson’s family searching for answers. Now, officials say modern forensic tools allowed detectives to reexamine evidence from the original investigation, ultimately leading them to James.

During a news conference announcing the arrest, investigators revealed that James was not a stranger to Robinson. Authorities said he was an associate of the victim and a frequent visitor to the store, often seen there before the killing.

James, who is from nearby Wayne County, was booked into the Coffee County Jail on March 2. He now faces charges including murder and aggravated assault, according to officials.

For Robinson’s family, the development represents a long-awaited step toward justice.

Her son, Trey Robinson, spoke emotionally about his mother during the announcement, recalling the personality and warmth that defined her life.

“My mom was a comedian,” Trey said. “She liked to have a good time.”

More than a decade after her death, Trey said it is the small, everyday memories that stay with him the most. While the pain of losing her never fully faded, the family has tried to focus on remembering the joy she brought into their lives.

“Now all we have left are memories,” he said.

Still, Trey expressed confidence that the arrest marks the beginning of accountability for the person responsible for his mother’s death.

“I feel without a shadow of a doubt we’re going to get justice for my mom,” he said. “He’s going to have to suffer the consequences of his actions.”

Cold cases like Robinson’s often remain unsolved for years, sometimes decades, until new technology or renewed investigative efforts uncover previously hidden clues. Advances in DNA testing and forensic analysis have increasingly allowed investigators to reopen long-dormant cases and identify suspects.

Officials have not yet publicly detailed the specific forensic evidence that led to James’ arrest but confirmed that recent testing played a key role in breaking the case open.

For Robinson’s loved ones, the arrest does not erase the years of loss — but it does bring renewed hope that the truth about what happened that night in 2010 will finally come to light.

As the case moves through the courts, Robinson’s family says they are prepared to see the process through.

After nearly 16 years of waiting, they believe justice may finally be within reach.