STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

'Abusive' Father Accused Of Shooting His Stepson To Death As The Teen Protected His Mother, Who Was Also Killed

Derrell Williams has been arrested but has not yet been charged with homicide.

A family and community in Virginia are mourning the double loss of a mother and son who were reportedly gunned down by the woman's husband.

Early Saturday morning, Renita Williams and 15-year-old Jaishaun Wells, of Henrico Country, were killed inside their home. Family members of the victims believe Wells was attempting to protect his mother from his historically abusive stepfather, Derrell Williams, reported WRIC.

"I just told her the other day to get a restraining order on him because she was afraid," Renita's mother Rachelle Wells told WTVR.

Less than an hour after the shooting, Derrell, who was married to Renita, was arrested on charges not related to the murders.

Derrell, 33, was arraigned on charges including felony eluding police, possession of drugs and gun charges. While he is not charged with the homicides, police confirmed they were not looking for any suspects at this time.

Derrell was arrested when a Virginia State Police trooper spotted him driving erratically and pursued him in a high speed chase, reaching speeds up to 130 mph.

"[The] trooper initiated a traffic stop with his lights and siren, and the violator car immediately accelerated up to 130 miles an hour, to attempt to elude," a Virginia State Police spokesperson told WTVR. "[Williams] turned off his headlights and approached another vehicle. [Williams] immediately swerved to miss the upcoming vehicle and then lost control, spinning out on the roadway. Once the car came to rest, [Williams] ran on foot leaving his vehicle in drive forcing it into an embankment around the 217 mile marker."

After catching and arresting Williams, police said they found cocaine and a handgun in his car.

A candlelight vigil for Renita and her son Jaishaun is planned for Wednesday evening in front of their Fayette Circle home.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.