A chilling culmination of events led to the conviction of Toivontae “Toby” Williams, 31, in Sanford, on charges of second-degree murder, carjacking, and further crimes, following a six-day trial that concluded on Monday. ClickOrlando reported that Williams was found guilty in the gruesome death of his girlfriend, Katrina Redden. The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred over four years ago, in Lake Mary.
Evidence placed before the jury painted a grim picture of the events leading to Redden's death. An acquaintance, one, Javier Martinez claimed, that while driving around Sanford in a white Ford F-150 pickup truck with Williams and Redden, Williams violently attacked him, accusing Martinez of flirting with Redden. Martinez managed to escape, albeit without his phone or wallet, and was later spotted on security footage walking in socks to a nearby 7-Eleven for help, according to a WFTV report.
Following the assault on Martinez, the fate of Redden was sealed by the same vehicle. A 911 caller reported that around 11:40 p.m., they witnessed a man yell, "Get a ride now!" before seeing the truck repeatedly run over Redden. The evidence presented in court showed that Williams had turned the vehicle around after the first hit to run her over a second time, leading to her death. Security footage confirmed the movement of the truck towards and away from the scene of the crime, supporting the eyewitness account, as reported by ClickOrlando.
In addition to the significant charges of murder and carjacking, Williams was found guilty of trafficking over 14 grams of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a result of these crimes occurring within three years of a previous release from prison, jurors recommended sentencing under Florida's prison releasee re-offender statute, which mandates more severe minimum sentences. Following the trial, Williams now faces life in prison with sentencing set for August 7.
