In the early morning hours of November 18, 2017, in Henrico, Virginia, 15-year-old Jaishaun Williams was fatally shot in his home on Fayette Circle. His mother, Renita Wells, was also shot and died at the scene. Jaishaun was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The tragic event unfolded as Jaishaun attempted to protect his mother from his stepfather, Derrell Williams.
Prior to the shooting, Renita Wells had expressed fear of her husband, and family members had encouraged her to get a restraining order. On the night of the incident, she had called 911 to report that her husband was behaving strangely. During the call, a struggle could be heard before the line went dead.
Less than an hour after the shooting, Derrell Williams was apprehended by police following a high-speed chase on Interstate 64. The chase ended when his vehicle spun out, and he attempted to flee on foot. Inside his car, police discovered a handgun and cocaine. Initially, he was held on charges including felony eluding of police, as well as drug and gun possession.
While not immediately charged with the murders, police confirmed they were not seeking any other suspects in connection with the deaths of Jaishaun and his mother. In November 2018, Derrell Williams pleaded guilty to the murders. He was charged with capital murder for the killing of both his wife and stepson as part of the same act, and first-degree murder for the death of Jaishaun.
