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Written by: E. George
Published August 28, 2024 @ 3:55 PM ET
Warning: The following story contains information regarding alleged physical violence.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – More than four years after a construction worker discovered a missing woman’s body inside a container, the victim’s husband has been convicted on murder charges. When police responded to the scene, they found a receipt with James Lee Griffin Jr.’s name and address inside a pizza box which was stuffed in a trash bag near the container, leading them straight to him.
The construction employee reported noticing a foul smell near the site and spotting a flipped-over blue container. Using machinery, he lifted it and saw a woman’s remains wrapped in sheets fall out.
Authorities searched Griffin Jr.’s apartment, located one mile from the construction site, and observed a great deal of blood that someone had attempted to clean. Evidence indicated that stabbing 39-year-old Kathleen Bass was stabbed to death.
Bass’ friend reported dropping her off at Griffin Jr.’s apartment one day and never hearing from her again. Ring doorbell security footage revealed Griffin Jr. vacating his home after dragging a blue container down the stairs a couple of days later.
Following Bass’ murder, Griffin Jr. relocated to Arkansas and began a new job driving a truck. He returned to DeKalb County in September 2020 to appear for a bonding agency on unrelated charges and was arrested for the murder.
Griffin Jr. was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and concealing the death of another.
His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.