Desmond Donte Williams, known as Dez, was 28 when he was found dead in Baltimore on June 13, 2021. First responders discovered him at a residence in the 400 block of East 23rd Street with severe abdominal trauma; he was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy determined the cause of death was a gunshot wound.

Baltimore police identified a suspect after reviewing video footage and interviewing witnesses, and arrested 30-year-old Tarence Jones on June 24, 2021, charging him with first- and second-degree murder in connection with the shooting. Jones went to trial; the defense argued the prosecution’s evidence was very narrow and noted there was no murder weapon or forensic link presented. On August 5, 2022, the jury found Tarence Jones not guilty of first-degree murder and all other charges related to Williams’s death.

Anyone with information about Desmond Williams, his last movements, or the shooting is asked to come forward.