- July 23, 2026
A Flagler County jury has recommended that Jermaine Mandell Williams Sr. be sentenced to death for the 2024 murder of his wife, Yolonda Williams, concluding the penalty phase with an 11-1 vote in favor of capital punishment.
The recommendation follows the jury's recent conviction of Williams for first-degree murder in the Aug. 2, 2024, fatal stabbing outside the couple's Bunnell home. Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols will make the final sentencing decision after a future Spencer hearing, during which both sides may present additional information before sentencing.
According to prosecutors, surveillance video and witness testimony showed Williams retrieved a kitchen knife from inside the home before attacking his wife in the street. Yolonda Williams suffered approximately 20 stab wounds and died from her injuries. Her teenage son witnessed the attack and attempted to intervene before being prevented from reaching his mother.
Following the jury's recommendation, State Attorney R.J. Larizza said the 11-1 vote demonstrates the significance of Florida's revised death penalty law, which no longer requires a unanimous jury recommendation before a judge can impose a death sentence.
"The 11-to-1 death recommendation highlights how important it was that we got the law changed from where Florida law required a unanimous death recommendation," Larizza said. "There's always one person potentially who might have feelings about the death penalty that would interfere with their ability to be fair and impartial."
Larizza said his office intends to continue pursuing the death penalty through the remainder of the case.
"We're moving forward full speed ahead seeking the death penalty in this case," he said. "I think the jury verdict is a confirmation, or an affirmation, that this was an appropriate case to seek the death penalty."
Larizza described the killing as exceptionally violent.
"You don't get much more brutal and vicious than what the defendant did to his wife," he said.
He also praised the victim's family for the strength they have shown throughout the proceedings.
"I've met the family. They're wonderful people," Larizza said. "I'm sorry they're having to go through this, but they are strong, good people that appreciate what we're doing, and we appreciate the courage that they've demonstrated through this process."
Although the jury has issued its recommendation, Larizza noted the case is not yet complete.
"We still have a Spencer hearing and a little bit farther to go," he said. "We will see this to the end and we will be vigorously arguing that the judge impose the death penalty."
Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon said the proceedings are about much more than a conviction.
"Today's proceedings are about far more than a criminal conviction and penalty," Brannon said. "They are about Yolonda Williams, a beautiful life taken through an unimaginable act of violence."
Brannon extended condolences to Williams' family and said he hopes the verdict provides "a measure of justice and, in time, a measure of peace."
He also reaffirmed the city's stance against violent crime.
"The City of Bunnell has zero tolerance for violence," Brannon said. "Acts of domestic violence, targeted violence, or any violent crime strike at the heart of every safe community."
Brannon credited Bunnell police investigators for their professionalism and determination throughout the investigation and thanked the Flagler County Sheriff's Office and the Office of the State Attorney for their partnership.
"This case demonstrates what can be accomplished when agencies work together with a single purpose: seeking justice for victims and protecting our community," Brannon said.
He added that while no verdict can undo the family's loss, law enforcement remains committed to protecting vulnerable residents and ensuring violent offenders are held accountable.
"Our thoughts and prayers remain with Ms. Williams' family today and in the years ahead," Brannon said. "They endured an unimaginable loss with remarkable strength and dignity. We stand with them and will do everything within our power to keep our community safe and to ensure justice is never left unfinished."
Under Florida law, the jury's recommendation is advisory. Judge Nichols will determine whether Williams is sentenced to death or life in prison without the possibility of parole after considering the jury's recommendation and the evidence presented during the upcoming Spencer hearing.
