2022 Murder of Audora Williams Yields Guilty Verdict for Her Children’s Father

WASHINGTON - Wonell Jones, Jr., 38, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty today in D.C. Superior Court, on charges stemming from the death of 33-year-old Audora Williams in her apartment on July 19, 2022, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Jones was found guilty of one count of first-degree murder while armed, one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon on July 16, 2026. Superior Court Judge J. Michael Ryan scheduled sentencing for October 30, 2026.

"Jones flouted a protective order, put in place to keep Audora Williams and her children safe, and proceeded to murder Williams, with her children just feet away," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "He shot Williams over 20 times, traumatizing these children, and changing the trajectory of their lives. Today's verdict, guilty on all charges, is a step toward justice for Williams and a clear affirmation that such brutality will be met with unwavering accountability."

According to the government's evidence, on July 19, 2022, around 1:30 p.m., in the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE, Jones returned to Audora Williams's apartment following a grocery run with one of her young sons. At the time, there were eight children in the apartment, three were Jones's, three were Williams's, and a toddler and a baby were shared by Jones and Williams. Shortly after returning, Jones, who was not supposed to be at the home or in contact with Williams because of a temporary protective order she had against him, with a protective order trial scheduled just days later, closed the door to Williams's room and began a loud argument with her. Jones could be heard accusing Williams of cheating and growing louder and angrier and then the gunshots began. Jones then partially stepped out of the room and fired more shots before exiting the apartment, leaving the kids behind, and ultimately fleeing to Florida.

Surveillance video shows Jones entering the building and apartment with Williams's child. The defendant shot Audora Williams more than 20 times, using two different guns.

Jones was arrested and held in Florida on August 29, 2022, and extradited to the District of Columbia on October 26, 2022, and has been in custody since.

Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.

This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Zach Horton and Shaniqua Butler.

2022 CF1 006394