A Wisconsin man already facing murder charges has been accused of attempting to hire a fellow inmate to eliminate witnesses in his case. DeAndre Williams, 22, allegedly tried to recruit his cellmate to kill key witnesses who could testify against him.
This new development came to light during his court appearance, where details of his plot were revealed, adding to the severity of the charges against him.
The Alleged Plot
Williams, who is facing four counts of solicitation for first-degree intentional homicide, appeared before a court commissioner on new charges. According to court records, Williams tried to hire an inmate whom he believed would soon be released.
He allegedly provided the inmate with a list of 10 people, including witnesses and individuals who could speak to his character. The criminal complaint revealed that Williams said, “No face, no case!” suggesting that eliminating these people would help him avoid conviction.
During his court hearing, Commissioner Barry Phillips described the disturbing nature of the plot, citing a conversation between Williams and his cellmate. “You allegedly told your cellmate, ‘She knows how I get down, so slide on her and shut her up, too,'” Phillips said, calling the actions “devious.”
Williams’ Reaction in Court
As the allegations were read in court, Williams became emotional, placing his hand inside his sleeve and starting to cry. However, Commissioner Phillips did not show sympathy.
“I think it’s ironic that you’ve been in court the whole time crying, because when I read the allegations against you, it’s not allegations of someone that cries,” he remarked. “But you’re in court crying. It’s too late for that.”
Background of the Murder
Williams is accused of the murder of 17-year-old Romell Campbell, who was shot and killed outside a Milwaukee liquor store in September 2024. According to the police affidavit, Williams, upset about the recent death of a friend, entered the store, bought a bottle of liquor, and then confronted Campbell.
Williams allegedly pistol-whipped Campbell and then shot him dead after a brief exchange of words. Williams has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the homicide charge.
Williams’ Arrest and Current Charges
After being placed on Wisconsin’s Most Wanted list earlier this year, Williams turned himself in to authorities. He has been in custody at the Milwaukee County Jail since February, with a bond set at $310,000. His next court date is scheduled for July 15, where he will face further legal proceedings.
DeAndre Williams’ case has taken a chilling turn, with the accused murderer now facing additional charges for attempting to silence witnesses in his case.
His actions behind bars only add to the severity of the original charges, and as the investigation continues, the court will have to address these new allegations alongside his murder trial.