Boyfriend used gun, machete to kill woman who planned to end relationship

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Atlanta police responding to reports of gunshots at a condo building on West Peachtree Street in 2023 said they heard cries for help moments after arriving on scene.

Officers forced their way inside and found 29-year-old Breanna Woods suffering from gunshot wounds and severe injuries from a machete attack. She later died from her injuries.

Prosecutors said her boyfriend, Douglas Hairston, was arrested shortly after the attack at a nearby Mellow Mushroom restaurant. Fulton County Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney Jazmin Willingham said officers found blood on his clothing when they took him into custody.

Investigators said Woods had planned to break up with Hairston that day. The couple had been dating for about four months.

Assistant District Attorney Jazmin Dilligard said Woods fought for her life during the attack.

Hairston was scheduled to go on trial Tuesday, but pleaded guilty to murder and other charges just minutes before jury selection began. Prosecutors Aleeia Smith, Dilligard and Willingham were prepared to try the case.

He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole, plus an additional 10 years suspended.

“He gave a statement while taking his plea,” Smith said. “He gave his condolences to the family.”

Defense attorney Gabe Banks said Hairston has a long history of untreated mental illness. Banks also explained why his client may have waited until the last minute to enter a guilty plea.

“Sometimes when you have 12 in a box, things become more real for a defendant,” Banks said.

Woods’ mother, Dana Brown, said she was on FaceTime with her daughter when Hairston entered the condo. She recalled him making a strange remark before the call ended.

“He was like, ‘Hey.’ Then he said, ‘It’s nice knowing you,’” Brown said.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said the case underscores the need for more support services for victims of domestic violence.

“We need a family justice center here in Fulton County, so that victims will have resources, or we’re going to keep reporting about young women and men losing their life to domestic violence,” Willis said.