VOLUSIA COUNTY, FL – In a harrowing case that has captured the attention of Volusia County, jurors have convicted Michael D. Williams, 48, for the murder of his ex-wife, Marsha Ebanks-Williams, 48, and her adult son, Robert Adams, 28. The conviction came after a trial where Williams claimed he acted in self-defense during the fatal shooting, which occurred in front of Adams’ young children.
Prosecutors challenged Williams’ self-defense claim, noting his injuries—consisting of a scratch on his upper lip, an abrasion on his left knee, and light scratches across his torso—were not significant. Furthermore, evidence showed that neither victim had weapons or made verbal threats towards Williams. The tragic incident reportedly arose from a prolonged dispute over electricity usage at the home the former couple once shared.
Marsha Ebanks-Williams and Williams had divorced in June 2022 after approximately ten years of marriage. The plan post-divorce was for Ebanks-Williams to sell their home and divide the proceeds. However, Williams remained in the home, leading to a tense and troubled living situation. According to Chief Deputy Brian Henderson, law enforcement was called to the residence on East Parkway in DeLand five times in 2022 due to domestic disputes, though none previously escalated to violence or arrests.