The jury trial began on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, lasting four days. The jury heard from more than a dozen witnesses, including law enforcement officers, medical personnel, and expert witnesses. 

Williams was first charged after North Chicago Police responded to a report of shots fired on May 15, 2022. When police officers arrived, Brown was critically injured and was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed his injuries. 

After the guilty verdict, Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart stated, “Gun violence took the life of a 14-year-old boy in our community, and this offender will be off the streets for a long time because of the work of our veteran trial team. Our victim specialists worked with the family from the beginning and will continue to support them. But “guilty verdicts” are never enough. This defendant had no prior criminal history which is why must also focus on preventing this violence by addressing root causes even as we hold offenders accountable. We can and must do both to have long term safety.”  

At the trial, officers from North Chicago, Waukegan, and the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force testified that through their investigation, they learned that the victim, Lavonta Brown, 14, was walking with his friend when a Chevy Malibu, occupied by six passengers, including Williams, pulled up next to them.  

Through surveillance video, officers were able to identify Williams, who was sitting in the rear seat behind the passenger and were able to see when he opened the door of the vehicle and began firing shots at Brown.  

Other occupants of the car testified that Williams was in the car when the incident happened and confirmed Williams was sitting in the rear seat behind the passenger’s side of the vehicle.  

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene but eventually crashed in front of the Waukegan Home Depot on Lewis Avenue and Belvidere Road. Surveillance videos further showed when the occupants of the vehicle, including Williams, ran out the car in different directions.  

Medical experts described the number of injuries Brown had and where they were located at. Firearm experts testified about the type of weapon that was used to kill Brown. 

The State was represented by ASA Lillian Lewis, ASA Robert Money, and ASA Caitlin Valiulis. Lake County State’s Attorney Investigators and the Lake County State's Attorney's Cyber Lab team all assisted in the preparation of the trial.  

Williams is facing up to 75 years in the Department of Corrections. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 5, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. 

Prior to the trial, Williams was being held in the Lake County Jail on a $3 million bond. (This cash bond was set by a judge in 2022, before the effective date of bail reform which now prevents individuals charged with murder from posting bond if a judge so decides at the beginning of the case.)  After the guilty verdict, Judge Potkonjak revoked his ability to post bail.