Crime
Florida Inmate Returns to Jail After Being Linked to a Shooting Death One Day After Release
A Florida inmate who was freed last month was back behind bars on Monday. The inmate was one of the 100 prisoners freed in order to help minimize the spread of the coronavirus. Authorities took him into custody after being linked to a shooting murder that occurred a day after his release.
Back Behind Bars
Florida inmate freed over coronavirus concerns linked to murder 1 day after release: authorities https://t.co/4HR5WeYs18 #FoxNews
— Howie Carr (@HowieCarrShow) April 15, 2020
Evidence has linked 26-year-old Joseph Edward Williams to a shooting death in the Progress Village section of Gibsonton, Hillsborough County. He spent time in Orient Road Jail due to drug charges prior to his release.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement: “There is no question Joseph Williams took advantage of this health emergency to commit crimes while he was out of jail awaiting resolution of a low-level, non-violent offense. Every murder, every violent crime, especially those involving a gun, is a sickening example of the worst in our community, especially at a time when our community is working relentlessly to fight against the spread of this deadly COVID-19.”
“As a result, I call on the state attorney to prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law,” Chronister said.
The shooting occurred on March 20th. According to reports, the authorities arrested Williams on charges of committing second-degree murder. Authorities also charged him for resisting arrest with violence, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing heroin and drug paraphernalia.
Tampa Bay Times reported that at around 10:40 p.m. that day, deputies received numerous 911 calls about gunshots. Deputies found a man wounded and lying on the street. They took the man to Tampa General Hospital, where he later died. According to deputies, they did not believe the shooting was random.
WFLA reported that the court arraigned Williams through video appearance. The court also held Williams on a bond of more than $250,000.
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