Derrick Williams Jr., a 29-year-old resident of St. Petersburg, Florida, was found dead on the evening of October 29, 2018. Neighbors on 38th Street North reported hearing a crash and discovered Williams slumped over in a grey sedan that was still running. Police located a single gunshot wound to his head; the wound was fatal and the timing indicates the shooting happened moments before the crash was reported.

The investigation quickly connected the killing to 19-year-old Lashaud Golden, who was arrested October 30, 2018, after an unrelated carjacking and shooting in which another victim, Gene Carter, was shot in the back. Golden was charged with multiple offenses related to both incidents, including second-degree murder in Williams Jr.’s death, attempted felony murder, carjacking, and possession of a firearm by a delinquent. Reports state Golden shot Williams in the head, causing his immediate death.

Derrick Williams Jr.’s death deeply affected the St. Petersburg community. If anyone has information about Williams Jr., the events on 38th Street North that night, or either incident involving Lashaud Golden, please come forward.