Melbert Ray Ford Jr. was born on December 9, 1960, in Austell, Georgia. Prior to his crimes, Ford had a history of criminal behavior, including a 1978 conviction for terroristic threats and criminal trespassing in Cobb County. He was employed at a grocery store and had a tumultuous relationship with Martha Chapman Matich, which ended before the events of 1986.

On March 6, 1986, Ford executed a premeditated plan to rob Chapman's Grocery in Newton County, Georgia, where his former girlfriend, Martha Chapman Matich, worked. Enlisting the help of 19-year-old Roger Turner, Ford promised a substantial financial gain and provided alcohol to persuade him.

After closing time, Ford shot through the store's locked glass door, entered, and fatally shot Matich three times. He then discovered 11-year-old Lisa Chapman, Matich's niece, hiding in the bathroom and shot her in the head. Lisa was found alive but later succumbed to her injuries. Ford fled with stolen money, and both he and Turner were arrested the following day.

During interrogation, Ford admitted that the shooting began after Matich triggered the alarm. He expressed regret, stating that had he worn a mask, the situation might have been different. At trial, Ford claimed intoxication and shifted blame to Turner, but the jury found him guilty on all counts.

Ford was sentenced to death for each murder and received additional sentences for armed robbery, burglary, and firearm possession during a felony. His execution by lethal injection was carried out on June 9, 2010, after numerous appeals were exhausted.