Atlanta Journal

by Randall Sumner

"For the charge of murder in the first degree, we, the jury, find the defendants, Walter Rounds and Torrence Zaffudo, guilty on all counts." With those words, the Southern Surgeons were convicted of four counts of murder. Mr. Rounds was also convicted of four killings committed late last year, and has been sentenced to death. Mr. Zaffudo was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences plus 30 years for assault with intent to kill and resisting arrest.
As our readers may remember, the two men were apparently convinced that some kind of occult ritual would grant them incredible supernatural powers, and that the organs found at their residence were a part of this ritual. The prosecution made good use of the crime scene photographs and forensic testimony to prove that the various parts had come from the four victims. The presence of sodium pentothol and other sedatives that were also found in the victims' systems was almost as damming. Despite the lack of murder weapons, the jury only needed to deliberate for two hours before emerging with their verdict.
This brings to a close one of the most gruesome and tragic periods of Atlanta in the new millennium. Sources have informed this reporter that the officers responsible for the arrests are recovering from their injuries and have all been commended for their exceptional bravery and professionalism.