Jamaican couple in Florida faces death penalty for murder of 10-year-old boy

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.