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See any errors? Let us know!Kenneth Dewayne Williams: A Detailed Account of His Crimes
Early Life and Background
Kenneth Dewayne Williams was born on February 23, 1979, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. His upbringing was marred by instability and violence. Both of his parents had learning difficulties, and his mother struggled with drug addiction. Williams' father was abusive, often directing his anger towards his wife and children. This tumultuous environment led Williams to engage in delinquent behaviors from a young age. He began smoking marijuana at six, joined the Gangster Disciples, and started drinking beer by the age of nine. His early life was also marked by sexual abuse, which he later admitted influenced his own abusive actions towards others. Williams cycled through various foster homes and juvenile reform schools, setting a troubling foundation for his future actions.First Known Murder: December 13, 1998
On December 13, 1998, Williams committed his first known murder in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He abducted University of Arkansas pre-med student Dominique "Nikki" Hurd and her friend, Peter Robertson, from a parking lot. Posing as a helpful stranger offering to take their photograph, Williams pulled out a revolver and forced the couple into their car. He robbed them of money, jewelry, and credit cards, and compelled Robertson to withdraw additional cash from an ATM. Despite assuring them of their safety, Williams led them to a secluded area, forced them out of the car, and shot both individuals. Hurd was fatally wounded, while Robertson survived and later identified Williams as the assailant. Williams was charged with capital murder, attempted capital murder, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, theft of property, and arson. He was convicted on all counts and received a life sentence without parole.Prison Escape and Subsequent Murders: October 3, 1999
Less than a month into his life sentence, on October 3, 1999, Williams orchestrated a daring escape from the Cummins Unit prison. He hid inside a 500-gallon barrel of pig slop, which was transported out of the prison by a truck. After exiting the barrel, Williams made his way to the residence of 57-year-old Cecil Boren, a farmer and retired prison warden. Finding Boren in his yard, Williams stole a .22 caliber Ruger pistol and confronted him. He shot Boren multiple times, dragged his body inside the house, and stole his wallet, jewelry, firearms, and vehicle. Williams then fled towards Missouri. The following day, Williams was spotted by law enforcement in Lebanon, Missouri. A high-speed chase ensued, during which Williams drove at speeds up to 120 miles per hour. The chase ended tragically when Williams collided with a vehicle driven by 24-year-old Michael Greenwood, a Culligan water delivery truck driver. Greenwood was ejected from his vehicle and died from his injuries. Williams attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended shortly after. Notably, he reportedly spat on Greenwood's body after the crash. ...Read MoreVictims
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Confirmed Victims: (4)
Dominique Hurd Age: (19), Date of Death: 1998-12-13 ...View 3 additional victims
Links to Additional Sources (9)
See any mistakes? Let us know!Killer's Details
Kenneth Dewayne
Williams
February 23, 1979 Pine Bluff, Arkansas, United States
April 28, 2017 (aged 38) Lincoln County, Arkansas, United States
Executed by lethal injection
Male
Black
Capital murder (x3), Attempted capital murder, Aggravated robbery (x3), Kidnapping (x2), Theft of property (x4), First degree escape, Second degree battery
Death (August 30, 2000)
4 (including one killed unintentionally in a high-speed chase)
1998 - 1999
Arkansas, Missouri
Varner Unit — Arkansas Department of Correction, Cummins Unit — Arkansas Department of Correction
07/16/2025










