Two men in Georgia have been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the horrific kidnapping, torture, and murder of a 29-year-old homeless man, John Mamph. The crime took place in a remote area locally known as “Gilligan’s Island.”
The Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office confirmed on April 16 that a jury found Frank Kennedy (56) and Anthony Mistretta (29) guilty of malice murder, kidnapping, and several other serious charges. The judge handed both men a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
What Happened to John Mamph?
According to prosecutors, the attack occurred on July 5, 2023, near Mamph’s homeless camp. Kennedy and Mistretta beat and hog-tied Mamph—meaning they tied his hands and feet behind his back.
Then, they took him by boat to a lake in the area. Shockingly, they weighed him down with heavy objects while he was still alive and tied up, and threw him into the water. He drowned as a result of this brutal act.
The next day, a person Jet Skiing with their family discovered Mamph’s body in the water and immediately called the police.
Police and Legal Action
Officers from the St. Marys Police Department responded to the call. At first, they arrested five people connected to the case:
- Frank Kennedy (Guilty – Life without parole)
- Anthony Mistretta (Guilty – Life without parole)
- Debra Dougherty
- Megan Robison
- Bernice McGuire
Before the trial began, Debra Dougherty pleaded guilty to felony murder and was sentenced to life in prison with the chance of parole after 30 years.
Bernice McGuire pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, but has not yet been sentenced.
Megan Robison, who initially lied to police about her involvement, later pleaded guilty to making a false statement. She received a sentence of five years on probation.
A Case That Shocked the Community
The murder of John Mamph was particularly disturbing because of the cold and calculated nature of the crime. Prosecutors said the group targeted a vulnerable man, tied him up, and deliberately drowned him in a lake.
The area where the crime occurred, known as Gilligan’s Island, is remote and often used by homeless individuals for shelter.