JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 22-year-old man has been charged with murder in the death of a young woman who was found shot to death Monday morning at Normandy Park, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday.
Police no longer identify victims of crimes, but the woman’s uncle, Timothy Williams, identified the victim as Ta’Liyah Williams. He said she had been trying to leave an abusive relationship with a man named Deiondre Lewis.
Police confirmed Tuesday that Lewis had been charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon and carrying a concealed firearm in connection with the shooting. After a brief appearance before a judge Tuesday, Lewis was ordered held without bond.
Detectives said the victim’s body was found between the parking lot and the athletic fields on Lindsey Road at Greek Road. Witnesses told police a single shot was fired after an argument.
Lewis, who matched the description of the gunman provided by a witness, was detained about a mile away on Fouraker Road, police said.
A weapon and other evidence were located between where the victim was found and where Lewis was taken into custody, police said.
“Ta’Liyah was a beautiful soul. And she didn’t deserve this. She didn’t deserve this at all. She deserved better,” Timothy Williams said. “She was trying to make him a better person -- trying to make him into a man.”
Timothy Williams said his 21-year-old niece was a strong and smart woman, who never spoke up about the abuse.
“What I hope can happen now is people who do see this or read about this that they understand that with domestic violence that you just need to get away from that person. It doesn’t get better,” he said. “And if something happens. you need to let people know about it. People will love you, they’ll take care of you, because you never know how far things will go.” Detectives said a car in the parking lot was searched and will be processed. Police said there were no children in the park at the time of the shooting.
Timothy Williams said his family would like to thank the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for its quick arrest and professional handling of the case.
A police report shows Lewis spoke with detectives, but what he said is blacked out. It’s confidential for now, evidence in the murder case.
Records show he was a convicted felon, who served time for an attempted robbery in 2018. Last year, he was charged with car theft, armed possession of marijuana. He was out on bond awaiting trial on that crime and Williams was a witness.
Recent domestic violence homicides
Sept. 29: 22-year-old Ebony Nicholas was shot and killed at Amazon. Police say her boyfriend, Daisean Biffle, 22, shot himself but survived.
Oct. 13: St. Johns County deputies say 35-year-old Brandi Brooker Perkins was stabbed to death by her estranged husband, Derrek Perkins outside a friend’s house in Hastings.
Nov. 13: 54-year-old Terrion McQueen is shot and killed while sitting in her SUV outside a friend’s house in Oakleaf. Her estranged husband Cleon McQueen later turned himself in at JSO.
Nov. 14: 33-year-old Tiara McDaniel was shot to death at her new home in Oakleaf. Her ex-boyfriend, Shawn Braddy, was killed in a shootout with police in Maryland three days later.
Hubbard House is one of several shelters in Northeast Florida that protects women and their children from their abusers.
“When someone is trying to leave an abusive relationship can be the most dangerous time,” Hubbard House CEO Gail Patin said. “If you’ve been hit or physically hurt by your partner and they say ‘I’m sorry that’ll never happen again,’ that’s a very common response. It probably will happen again. So reach out for help to find out what your options are.”
The bottom line: get help before it’s too late. Many people aren’t comfortable calling law enforcement, that’s where her center comes in. She said one call could save a life.
“I know the pain, I know the pain,” said Rod Hughes, who lost his daughter, Army Sgt. Brittney Michell, to domestic violence. Her ex-boyfriend has been charged with her murder after her 2018 shooting death on Fort Campbell in Kentucky. Mitchell was from Jacksonville. He reached out to News4Jax to remind people of the dangers and the resources available.
“She had a restraining order on him, getting away, trying to get away from him, he still some kind away got on base and killed her at home in her apartment where she lived,” he said.
Resources available
If you or someone you know is or has been a victim of domestic violence or abuse, these resources are also available:
- The Florida Domestic Violence Hotline, which will direct you to the nearest shelter, is 1-800-500-1119.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline is open 24 hours a day. The number is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
- The Micah’s Place (Nassau County) Domestic Violence Help Hotline is 904-225-9979.
- The Hubbard House in Jacksonville can be reached by dialing 904-354-3114.
- The hotline number of Quigley House in Clay County is 904-284-0340.
- The Betty Griffin Center in St. Johns County can be reached at 904-824-1555.