Woman Charged with Murder After Allegedly Administering Lethal Dose of Morphine to Mother
EVANS, Ga. – A woman accused of killing her mother appeared before a judge on Wednesday for a bond hearing. Rachel Waters, 42, is facing charges of murder after allegedly giving her mother, Marsha Foster, 74, a lethal dose of morphine at Marshall Pines Assisted Living and Memory Care in Evans on July 12, 2023.
The defense claimed that, if Waters did administer the fatal dose, it was an act of mercy rather than malice. However, the prosecution presented evidence suggesting otherwise. According to Columbia County officials, Waters unlawfully caused Foster’s death by intentionally administering the lethal dose of morphine.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Natalia Paine outlined the details of the case, stating that Foster had been suffering from severe pain due to a terminal illness. In the weeks leading up to her death, Foster had attempted suicide twice, further indicating her unbearable suffering. Paine noted that while Waters denies the allegations, she had reportedly inquired about the possibility of accelerating her mother’s death and had searched online for information regarding charges after Foster’s passing.
Despite these claims, the state did not oppose granting Waters bond. Paine acknowledged that no one involved in the case believed Waters acted with ill will or financial gain. “Both Waters’ brother and sister have described the situation as an act of mercy if she did indeed take such actions,” Paine explained in court.
At the hearing, Waters was granted bond, set at $200,000. As a condition of the bond, Waters and her two significant others were ordered to surrender their passports to ensure they would not flee. Waters, who has worked as a federal investigator, was indicted on February 6, 2025, on charges of malice murder and felony murder.
According to officials, Waters drove from New York City to Georgia over the course of three days before surrendering herself to authorities at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. The courtroom was filled with family members and friends who expressed their support for Waters during the proceedings.
Waters, a former investigator for the federal government, had a background in conducting security clearances for individuals applying to work with top-secret agencies, such as the CIA and Pentagon. She has also worked as a model and journalist, and while originally from Harlem, New York, she now resides in New York City.
As the legal process continues, Waters faces serious charges that could result in significant legal consequences. The case has drawn attention due to its tragic nature and the complex emotions surrounding the events leading up to Foster’s death.
