Erwin Vanegas, 22, of Rossville, pleaded guilty Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to malice murder in the death of 71-year-old Robert White following an assault inside the Catoosa County Jail.
Chief Judge Brian M. House sentenced Vanegas to life in the Georgia Department of Corrections. Under Georgia law, he will be eligible for parole after serving 30 years.
According to court officials, Vanegas’ conviction stems from a December 5, 2024 assault in which he repeatedly stomped on White’s head while the two men were cellmates and White was lying in his bed. White was transported to a hospital following the attack and later died from his injuries on January 18, 2025.
The investigation was led by Lt. Todd Pitts of the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Acting District Attorney Deanna Reisman and Senior Assistant District Attorney Beth Evans, with assistance from Victim Advocate Shelby Armstrong and Legal Assistants Leann Black and Rachel Moon.
In a statement, Acting District Attorney Reisman praised the prosecution team’s work.
“Senior ADA Evans’ thorough preparation and diligent prosecution of this case ensured a conviction against Vanegas through a guilty plea in advance of his scheduled jury trial,” Reisman said. “This conviction sends a clear message that violence will not be tolerated in our jails — or anywhere else in our community. Our office remains committed to pursuing justice for every victim, regardless of where the crime occurs.”