How Denise Williams Nearly Outsmarted Justice in Her Husband’s Shocking Murder Plot
In 2004, Cheryl successfully lobbied the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to re-open the case. Many of the officers agreed with Cheryl that the circumstances surrounding her son’s disappearance warranted a closer look.
But without any strong evidence of foul play, the investigation stalled. Mike Williams’ disappearence seemed to be a cold case.
Until 2016.
The Arrest Of Denise Williams And Brian Winchester
Leon County Clerk of CourtMugshot of Brian Winchester.
In 2012, Denise Williams and Brian Winchester separated. In 2015, they divorced. But Brian, desperate to keep Denise, went to extreme measures and attacked her at gunpoint in 2016. He was subsequently charged with kidnapping, domestic assault, and armed burglary.
According to CBS News, investigators took the rift between the couple as an opportunity to question them about Mike Williams’ disappearance. But while Denise said nothing, Brian ended up cutting a deal. In exchange for telling them what happened to Mike, he would not be charged with murder.
“I went and met Mike at a gas station… I followed him to the lake… We launched the boat. It was just like a hunting trip was supposed to be,” Winchester confessed. “I got him to stand up and I pushed him into the water… and he was in a panic, obviously… I ended up shooting him… [in] the head.”
Winchester also told investigators where they could find Mike Williams’ body. One day after he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the attempted kidnapping of Denise, investigators were able to announce that Mike Williams’ body had been discovered — 60 miles way from where he’d first vanished.
State Attorney’s OfficeThe items found along with Mike Williams’ body.
What’s more, Winchester said that he killed Mike Williams because of Denise Williams. He claimed that Denise refused to divorce Mike, because it was against her religious beliefs, and that killing Mike was the only way that they could be together. As an added bonus, Winchester said, Denise claimed that they could then collect Mike’s life insurance.
“She would not get divorced and so she basically said there’s only one solution,” Winchester stated. “We would end up together, we would live happily ever after, oh, and as a side note, we’ve got all this money to enjoy a wonderful life together.”
On May 8, 2018, Denise Williams was arrested. She was indicted on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and accessory after the fact.
Denise Williams Is Found Guilty Of Murder
During Denise’s trial in June 2018, Winchester testified against her. He claimed that though he had killed Mike Williams alone, Denise Williams “was in my head, behind me… Denise and I were best friends, we were Bonnie and Clyde, we were partners in crime.”
During the trial, Denise Williams’ legal team argued that there was a lack of physical evidence linking her to Mike William’s murder. But the jury was not convinced. In 2019, Denise was sentenced to life in prison.
And though Denise Williams appealed her sentence in 2021, Cheryl Williams gave a powerful testimony urging the judge to keep Denise behind bars.
Leon County Sheriff’s DepartmentBrian Winchester and Denise Williams conspired to murder Mike Williams, disguising it as a tragic accident.
“Mike suffered horribly,” Cheryl Williams stated. “For the rest of my life, when I try to go to sleep, I see my son clinging to a stump in the freezing water. Please don’t show her any mercy. She didn’t show my son any mercy. She took him away from his daughter, family, and friends.”
Denise Williams was ultimately resentenced to 30 years in prison.
After reading about Denise Williams and the murder of her husband, Mike Williams, learn about Nancy Brophy, the romance author who killed her husband — after publishing an essay titled “How to Murder Your Husband.” Or, discover the story of Pamela Smart, the woman who convinced her 16-year-old lover to murder her husband.
Promixx FORM Sports Water Bottle - Premium BPA Free Water Bottle for Fitness Sports & Outdoors - Sustainable Drinks Bottle with Measurement Markers and Leakproof Lid - 760ml / 26oz (Midnight Blue)
(as of October 7, 2025 18:41 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
RIVER OF GOODS Stained Glass Magna Carta LED Ceiling Fan - 52" L x 52" W - Tiffany Style - Flush Mount Ceiling Fan with Remote - Teal
(as of October 7, 2025 18:41 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Supa Ant 6x8ft. Welding Blanket Fireproof (Pack of 2) - Heavy Duty Weld Fire Blanket Tools - Welders Cover for Men Curtain with Gloves - Large Welding Gear for Welder Accessories
$59.96 (as of October 7, 2025 18:41 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
KiddyCare Diaper Caddy Organizer for Baby Nursery Basket with Handle Lid Nursing Caddy with Changing Table Organizer Cart Newborn Caddy Rosy (Floral Print) X-Large
$17.50 (as of October 7, 2025 18:41 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Post Comment