In the spring of 2019, the life of Kelly Susanne Levinsohn, a 44-year-old female paramedic in Columbus, Georgia, was tragically cut short. On May 11, first responders were called to her home following a report of a domestic incident. Upon forcing entry, they made a grim discovery: Levinsohn was found on the floor, having been shot in the back of the head. Investigators found a handgun at the scene, but no signs of a forced entry into the residence.
The initial investigation quickly pointed toward a deeply personal and volatile situation.
The focus of the investigation soon turned to William 'Bill' Talley III, a sergeant with the Columbus Police Department with whom Levinsohn was having an affair. Neighbors reported that the couple had a tumultuous relationship, often engaging in loud arguments. Authorities had even been called to Levinsohn's home a year prior to the murder due to a domestic disturbance where Talley had threatened to kill himself. Following the shooting, Talley fled in Levinsohn's truck. His escape ended when he crashed the vehicle off Interstate 185 in neighboring Harris County. A tense standoff with law enforcement ensued, during which Talley threatened to take his own life before he eventually surrendered and was taken into custody. He was fired from the police department shortly after his arrest.
In the aftermath of the murder, the legal process began. A grand jury indicted Talley on multiple charges, including malice murder, felony murder, and violating his oath as a public officer. The case revealed a complex and troubled relationship, with testimony indicating that Talley's wife was aware of the affair and had hoped Levinsohn could help him with his struggles, which included depression and alcoholism. In September 2020, to avoid a trial, Talley accepted a plea bargain. He pleaded guilty to felony murder, aggravated assault, and using a gun to commit a crime. In exchange, the charges of malice murder and violating his oath of office were dropped. A judge sentenced William Talley to life in prison for the murder of Kelly Levinsohn. He will be eligible for parole after serving 30 years.
