Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch: Tuesday, July 6, 1976
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 1 year, 4 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 6, 1976
Weapon Used: Rifle; .22 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Deputy Williams and Deputy Walter Irey were shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call. As they walked to the front porch the 23-year-old suspect opened fire with a .22 caliber rifle, striking both officers before they had time to draw their weapons. The suspect then fired on the patrol car, wounding an off duty jailer who was riding along with the officers. The suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended and sentenced to death. In 1980 he was granted a new trial and sentenced to life. As of November 22, 2020, the suspect was in prison.
Deputy Williams had been with the agency for 17 months. He was survived by his wife and child.