On September 10, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Daytona Beach, Florida, resulting in the death of 24-year-old Donnell Williams. The Daytona Beach Police Department responded to a 911 call around 11:45 pm regarding a reported stabbing at 505 Jean Street. Upon arrival, officers found Williams on the floor of an apartment, covered in blood.
Despite initial reports of a stabbing, it was quickly determined that Williams had suffered gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to Halifax Hospital, where medical staff made efforts to save his life. Unfortunately, Williams was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The autopsy revealed that Williams had been shot in the abdomen and lower extremities. The bullet wounds indicated that he had been shot in the stomach from front to back and in the leg from back to front, suggesting he was shot while attempting to flee.
Investigators identified 25-year-old Danitto Simpson as the prime suspect in Williams' murder. Witnesses reported seeing Simpson knock Williams down and shoot him in the apartment complex courtyard. The two men reportedly had a history of conflict, stemming from Simpson's alleged sexual relationship with the mother of Williams' children. A month prior to the fatal shooting, Simpson had allegedly pulled a gun on Williams during another altercation but missed.
The Daytona Beach Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Simpson, who was already wanted on charges of aggravated battery on a pregnant person. The police have asked for public assistance in locating Simpson and urged anyone with information to contact Detective Zachary Ravi or Crime Stoppers.
This tragic event has left the Daytona Beach community in shock, highlighting ongoing concerns about gun violence and personal disputes escalating to fatal outcomes.
