D.C. Man Gets 17-Year Prison Term for Murdering Romantic Partner

WASHINGTON - Pernell Sims, 35, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today for shooting and killing his prior romantic partner, Tyshida Williams, in July 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Sims entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder while armed before Superior Court Associate Judge Todd Edelman on Jan. 9, 2026. Judge Edelman sentenced Sims to 17 years in prison.

"Pernell Sims abused Tyshida Williams, beat her and then shot her in the head while his child was in the apartment. This depraved killer will now spend his days in a cell where he belongs," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "My office will continue to be relentless in our prosecution of domestic violence offenders. If you are in a violent relationship, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE."

According to the government's evidence, Sims and Williams were in a romantic relationship on July 30, 2023. When they returned to the defendant's apartment earlier that morning, the defendant became angry about Williams' phone. Both Sims and Williams went to the lobby and parking garage area of the apartment building and argued for more than an hour. While in the parking garage the defendant threw Williams to the ground and kicked her in the chest. Both Sims and Williams then returned to the apartment where Sims' child was present, went into the bedroom and closed the door. Sims then shot Williams in the head, and she died from her injuries later that morning.

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

In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emma McArthur and Stephanie Dinan, who prosecuted the case.

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