The state of Florida has announced its intention to seek the death penalty against a Jamaican couple accused of murdering a 10-year-old boy, Xavier Williams, after enduring what authorities described as “unimaginable abuse.”
Xavier, who had been living with his mother and her boyfriend in Tavares, Florida, died on March 21, 2025, a month after sustaining severe injuries from the alleged abuse. The young boy was found tied to a ladder, beaten, and subjected to further violence, including having a 10-pound dumbbell dropped onto his stomach, which caused his intestines to rupture. Despite efforts by doctors to save him, Xavier succumbed to his injuries at a children’s hospital in Orlando.
According to investigators, on February 22, 2025, Xavier’s mother, 37-year-old Kimberly Mills, and her 36-year-old boyfriend, Andre Walker, took the boy to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares, Florida. There, doctors noticed bruises and burn marks on Xavier’s body. Authorities say Walker immediately left the hospital, while Mills briefly left and returned with Xavier’s 9-year-old brother.
A search warrant executed at their home uncovered further evidence of abuse, including a 10-pound dumbbell used to strike Xavier’s stomach and copper wire used to inflict harm. Xavier died after weeks of fighting for his life at the hospital.
Jamaican couple charged with murder and child abuse
Mills and Walker have been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, and aggravated child abuse.
Xavier’s father, Keniel Williams, who resides in Connecticut, received the devastating news on February 23, 2025. After being informed that his son had been hospitalized, Williams rushed to Florida. However, by the time he arrived, Xavier had already passed away.
“I received the call at 2:35 a.m. on February 23rd, and I booked a 6 a.m. flight from Connecticut to Orlando,” Williams recalled, his voice breaking with emotion. “I cried the entire flight. I was just crying like a baby.”
Williams, originally from Montego Bay, St. James, and a former student of Herbert Morrison Technical High School, spoke of the turmoil he had faced in his personal life. He had brought Mills to the United States and helped her establish a life there, but their marriage eventually fell apart after she received her US passport. The divorce stripped him of his family, and his two children were left in the care of their mother.
The abuse that Xavier endured had reportedly been ongoing for months, with investigators revealing that his body showed signs of repeated beatings. His younger brother also suffered at the hands of Mills and Walker but survived the torment.
Last Thursday, the State Attorney’s Office announced that it would pursue the death penalty for both Mills and Walker. State Attorney William M. Gladson emphasized the severity of the crime, particularly given the vulnerability of the victim.
“We are seeking the death penalty as to both defendants in this case. As you know, capital punishment is reserved for the most heinous crimes and the most vulnerable victims, and that’s what we have in this particular case,” Gladson stated.
The charges include abuse that occurred between December 24, 2024, and February 20, 2025, during which Xavier was struck with a dumbbell and other objects such as boxing gloves, flashlights, and a copper rod, causing significant harm.
Both Mills and Walker have entered written not-guilty pleas. They currently remain in the Lake County Jail awaiting further proceedings.
