Janaree Shamon Williams, a 19-year-old resident of Daytona Beach, Florida, tragically lost his life on June 13, 2017. Williams, a former high school football player and a student at Bethune-Cookman University, was known for his athletic prowess and his aspirations in criminal justice. His untimely death was the result of a violent incident that unfolded during a botched drug deal.
On the fateful day, Williams and two other individuals met with Keyonte Upton, a 20-year-old man, to
purchase marijuana. The meeting took place in a car driven by Williams at 549 Park Drive. A disagreement arose over the drug transaction, leading Upton to step out of the vehicle and fire shots into it. Williams, in an attempt to flee, drove away but soon lost control of the car, crashing into a tree. Despite the crash, Williams exited the vehicle and pursued Upton on foot. The chase ended tragically when Upton turned around and shot Williams in the 500 block of Division Street, resulting in Williams' death.
The investigation into Williams' death led to the arrest of Keyonte Upton. Upton was charged with second-degree murder and several other related offenses. In a court proceeding, Upton pleaded guilty to the charges, which included shooting into an occupied vehicle, armed burglary of a conveyance, aggravated assault, attempted armed robbery, armed robbery, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and carrying a concealed firearm. Circuit Judge Matt Foxman sentenced Upton to 30 years in prison for second-degree murder, with additional sentences for the other charges to be served concurrently.
The case of Janaree Shamon Williams' death highlights the devastating consequences of gun violence and the perils associated with illegal drug transactions. It also underscores the importance of community and law enforcement efforts in addressing such crimes to prevent future tragedies. Williams' family and friends continue to mourn his loss, remembering him as a respectful and promising young man whose life was cut short far too soon.
