A Florida man convicted of fatally stabbing his wife nearly 20 times in front of their teenage son is one step closer to receiving the death penalty after a jury recommended execution following his first-degree murder conviction.
Jermaine Mandell Williams Sr., 54, was found guilty in the Aug. 2, 2024, killing of his wife, Yolonda Williams, 50. On Wednesday, a Flagler County jury deliberated for less than two hours before voting 11-1 in favor of recommending that Williams be sentenced to death.
The recommendation follows a trial in which prosecutors described a violent knife attack that unfolded outside the couple’s home while their 14-year-old son watched and tried to intervene.
Attack Happened Outside Family Home
According to a probable cause affidavit, Jermaine and Yolonda Williams were arguing outside their home on South Pine Street shortly after 8 a.m. on Aug. 2, 2024.
Investigators said surveillance video showed Williams briefly walking back inside the residence before returning moments later carrying an 8-inch chef’s knife.
Prosecutors alleged that he chased his wife into the street and repeatedly stabbed her as neighbors and the couple’s teenage son witnessed the attack.
Much of the incident was captured on nearby surveillance cameras.
Father Stopped Attack at Gunpoint
Authorities said the attack ended only after Williams’ father, who lived nearby, arrived at the scene.
According to the State Attorney’s Office, the elder Williams saw his son repeatedly stabbing Yolonda and drew a handgun, ordering him to stop or he would shoot.
Williams eventually stepped away from his wife, who had already suffered 19 to 20 stab wounds.
Police officers arrived shortly afterward and took Williams into custody.
Neighbors Witnessed the Assault
Witnesses told investigators they heard Yolonda Williams screaming for help as neighbors rushed outside.
One witness said he watched Williams repeatedly stab his wife before people nearby shouted for him to stop.
According to court documents, Williams eventually paused and said:
“I’m tired of this s—.”
Another witness told investigators he found Yolonda lying in the roadway and saw Williams’ father pointing a firearm at his son, who was still holding the blood-covered kitchen knife.
Victim Died After Being Taken to Hospital
Emergency responders transported Yolonda Williams to AdventHealth Palm Coast, where she was pronounced dead.
Medical evidence presented during trial showed she suffered 19 to 20 stab wounds.
Prosecutors also presented evidence that Yolonda fought to defend herself during the attack, grabbing the knife blade as her husband continued stabbing her.
Jurors also heard testimony that after first responders arrived, she repeatedly said, “I can’t breathe,” before telling a paramedic she believed she was going to die.
Defendant Told Police He Snapped After Argument
After waiving his Miranda rights, Williams admitted retrieving the knife from the kitchen before attacking his wife.
He told detectives the couple had been arguing for weeks and that he had been sleeping in his truck parked in the driveway.
According to investigators, Williams said he went inside the home that morning hoping to reconcile with his wife before she left for work.
He claimed she rejected his attempt and mocked him by saying:
“Poor Jermaine, do you want me to play you a violin?”
Williams told detectives that the remark pushed him “over the edge” and made him feel as though he had nothing left to live for.
He initially claimed he had “blacked out” during the attack but also stated that his wife would not have suffered injuries other than stab wounds.
Jury Recommends Execution
The jury found Williams guilty of first-degree murder on July 17 before recommending the death penalty during the sentencing phase of the trial.
Following the recommendation, State Attorney R.J. Larizza praised the jury’s decision.
“One step closer to making justice a reality for Yolonda Williams, her family and the citizens of the 7th Circuit,” Larizza said. “We will continue our pursuit of the death penalty in this case and our support for the victim’s family.”
Judge Will Issue Final Sentence
Although the jury recommended execution, the decision is not the final sentence.
Under Florida law, Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols must give significant weight to the jury’s recommendation but is not legally required to follow it.
The judge is scheduled to determine whether Williams will receive the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole following a Spencer hearing on Aug. 3.
