A 27-year-old man from Florida has been charged with murder after allegedly killing his uncle in a violent altercation over a broken television. O’Neal Robert Matthew Thompson was arrested on July 5, 2025, after fatally shooting his 52-year-old uncle, Thaddeus Williamson, following a heated argument that escalated into physical violence.
The Fatal Dispute
According to court documents and a probable cause affidavit, deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a “shots-fired disturbance” at a home on Lakewood Road on the evening of July 5.
The call came from Thompson’s grandmother, who reported that her grandson had just shot her son and fled the scene. The caller provided authorities with a description of Thompson and his clothing, which helped police locate him just a few blocks away.
Upon his arrest, Thompson reportedly told authorities that he shot Williamson in self-defense because his uncle had attacked him. He was found in possession of a Taurus G2c 9mm handgun.
The Argument and Escalation
Thompson later explained in a post-Miranda interview with detectives that the deadly encounter began when Williamson gave him a television, which was not working properly.
The two men got into an argument over the broken TV, and at some point during the argument, Thompson claimed that his uncle became physically aggressive and started fighting him. Thompson said he went outside to call his mother and inform her of the situation.
Thompson explained that while outside, Williamson began yelling at him through the closed front door. When Thompson went back inside, he claimed that Williamson became more aggressive and postured as if he were about to fight him.
Thompson said he then pulled out his concealed firearm, cocked it, and displayed it in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.
According to Thompson, Williamson responded by asking, “What are you going to do, shoot me?” Thompson alleged that his uncle continued to act aggressively even after he displayed the gun. Feeling that his life was in danger, Thompson claimed he decided to shoot, although he could not recall how many times he fired.
Contradicting Accounts
However, Thompson’s grandmother provided a different account. She told police that Thompson arrived at the house already “very angry” and started an argument with Williamson. The argument quickly turned physical, and she had to intervene to separate them.
After walking away, she heard several gunshots and turned around to see Thompson holding the firearm with Williamson lying on the floor.
Thompson’s Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Thompson was booked into the Escambia County Jail, where he is being held without bond. He faces a charge of first-degree murder—dangerous and depraved without premeditation—in connection with the shooting. Thompson’s arraignment is scheduled for July 25, 2025.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of conflicts escalating into violence, especially when firearms are involved. The ongoing investigation will likely shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the argument, and the legal process will determine whether Thompson’s claims of self-defense hold up in court.
For now, the family is left to cope with the loss of Thaddeus Williamson and the impact of the violent incident.
