A prisoner released because of coronavirus fears was rearrested for killing a man the day after he was freed, police said.
Joseph Edwards Williams, 26, was charged with second-degree murder on Monday for allegedly shooting a man to death in Tampa, Florida on March 20.
Williams, who was behind bars for heroin possession and drug paraphernalia, was released on the morning of March 19. At least 163 inmates who were charged with low-level non-violent offenses were also released by HCSO.
‘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,’ said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
‘As a result, I call on the State Attorney to prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law.’
Chronister continued: ‘Judges, prosecutors and Sheriffs around the country are facing difficult decisions during the health crisis with respect to balancing public health and public safety.’
‘Sheriffs in Florida and throughout our country have released non-violent, low-level offenders to protect our deputies and the jail population from the outbreak. Our commitment as an agency is to keep this community safe and enforce the law.’
Williams was in court via video on Tuesday on his charges including second-degree murder with a firearm and resisting an officer. He is now being held on a bond of over $250,000, according to WFLA.
‘Every murder, every violent crime, 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,’ Chronister said.
from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8291209 https://ift.tt/2z4h9E9
No comments:
Post a Comment