Jury Convicts Man of Aggravated Malicious Wounding for Paralyzing Norfolk Man in 2022 Attack
NORFOLK, Va. — A jury convicted Billy Deangelo Williams, 59, on Wednesday of aggravated malicious wounding for a 2022 incident in which Mr. Williams attacked his ex-girlfriend’s cousin, leaving the victim paralyzed.
On June 2, 2022, the victim was riding a bike northbound on Church Street near A Avenue when Mr. Williams drove up next to him and called out to him. The victim knew Mr. Williams because Mr. Williams was the ex-boyfriend of the victim’s cousin. The two spoke for a moment, but the conversation turned hostile when Mr. Williams began threatening the victim because he blamed the victim for their recent breakup. When the victim turned his back to Mr. Williams to continue riding his bike, Mr. Williams punched him in the back of his head and knocked him to the ground. Mr. Williams continued punching and kicking the victim’s head and neck until the victim lost consciousness, then Mr. Williams fled in his vehicle.
The victim awoke to witnesses assisting him and calling 911. He was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and treated for his injuries, including a broken neck. He was initially paralyzed from the neck down, required the insertion of a rod and screws in his neck, and has slowly begun to regain the use of his limbs.
A witness provided Norfolk Police with Mr. Williams’ license plate number to identify him as the suspect, and the victim was able to identify Mr. Williams by photo as his attacker. Norfolk Police secured warrants for Mr. Williams’ arrest, and he was taken into custody by Department of Defense Police on the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where he worked as a contractor, on June 10, 2022.
On Wednesday, after a day-long trial in Norfolk Circuit Court, a jury found Mr. Williams guilty of aggravated malicious wounding. Mr. Williams is docketed for sentencing on May 31.
Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Emily A. Woodley and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Victoria V. Kapper are prosecuting Mr. Williams’ case on behalf of the Commonwealth, and Norfolk Police Detective Andrew J. Jowdy led the investigation.
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