On a spring evening in Omaha, Nebraska, the life of 55-year-old Barbara Williams was tragically cut short. On April 25, 2016, the African American mother and grandmother was sitting on the front stoop of an apartment complex, enjoying the day with two other people. What should have been a peaceful moment was shattered by the eruption of gunfire that ultimately claimed her life.
A white four-door sedan pulled up, and a Black male exited the vehicle.
He approached the trio and began shooting in Williams' direction. In a span of less than 30 seconds, at least 10 rounds were fired. The gunman then got back into the sedan and fled the scene. It is believed that the two individuals with Williams, known as "Action" and "Stay Ready," were the intended targets of the violent attack. Barbara Williams, an innocent bystander, became the victim of a senseless act of gun violence.
The investigation into the homicide led to the identification of a suspect, Michael E. Goynes, Jr. Despite his attempts to create an alibi, claiming he was at a barbecue at the time of the shooting, evidence connected him to the crime. Witnesses identified Goynes as the shooter, and cell phone data revealed that he had searched for news about the shooting shortly after it occurred.
Michael E. Goynes, Jr. was arrested and stood trial for the murder of Barbara Williams. He was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder, use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, and possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person. For his role in the death of Barbara Williams, Goynes was sentenced to life in prison for the murder charge, with additional consecutive sentences of 45 to 50 years for the use of a deadly weapon and 20 to 25 years for being a prohibited person in possession of a deadly weapon. His conviction was later upheld after an appeal.
