Carla Williams, a 48-year-old associate professor and former basketball player at Pensacola State College (PSC), was tragically killed on May 24, 2022, during an early morning workout at Pensacola Fitness. The incident was a result of a domestic dispute that escalated into violence. Williams was fatally shot by her ex-partner, Kennon Farrow, who entered the gym and opened fire on her. The shooting was witnessed by several people and captured on surveillance footage.
Farrow and Williams had previously been in a relationship, and Farrow had a pending domestic violence case at the time of the shooting.
Following the incident, law enforcement officers conducted a day-long search and eventually apprehended Farrow without incident. He was charged with first-degree premeditated murder, violation of an injunction against domestic violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Farrow had a history of domestic violence, including a previous arrest in February 2022 for allegedly strangling Williams. Despite being released on bond, he continued to pose a threat to her safety.
In December 2022, Farrow pleaded guilty to the charges, and in January 2024, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. During the sentencing hearing, Williams' family and friends spoke about the profound impact her death had on their lives. Her brother, Ben Williams, emphasized her kind and compassionate nature, stating that she "wouldn't hurt a fly" and always went out of her way to help others.
Carla Williams was a beloved figure at PSC, where she spent over 24 years working in athletics, Collegiate High, and the Mathematics and Computer Science Department. She was remembered as a great leader, mentor, teacher, and friend. In her honor, PSC established The Carla E. Williams Memorial Endowed Scholarship fund and inducted her into the Pensacola State College Athletics Hall of Fame. Her jersey number was retired, and a large reproduction of her No. 22 jersey was unfurled in Hartsell Arena, enshrining her memory courtside forever.
