Former College Football Player Arrested for Murder in Florida Bar Shooting

Avantae Traeviyon Williams, a 24-year-old former University of Maryland defensive back, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder involving a firearm following a fatal shooting at a bar in DeLand, Florida, over the weekend. The DeLand Police Department confirmed the arrest, which took place on Monday, days after the incident that claimed the life of 32-year-old Keshod Harris.

The shooting occurred at McCabe’s Bar in DeLand at approximately 1:30 a.m. According to initial police reports, officers from the DeLand Police Department and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire. Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic scene, stating that a fistfight involving multiple men erupted inside the bar. During the altercation, one of the individuals involved produced a firearm, escalating the situation and leading to the tragic death of Harris and injury of a bartender.

Williams allegedly fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Harris, the victim, was quickly transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Harris succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The bartender, who also sustained gunshot wounds, is expected to recover.

The DeLand Police Department swiftly launched an investigation into the shooting. Williams was apprehended without incident on Monday and is currently in custody facing the serious charge of second-degree murder involving a firearm.

The police department has issued a statement acknowledging that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives are diligently working to gather evidence, conduct interviews, and piece together a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired at McCabe’s Bar on the night of the shooting.

Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with the approximately 40 patrons who were present at the bar during the incident. Police believe these individuals may possess valuable information that could be crucial in bringing justice to Harris and understanding the full context of the altercation that led to the shooting.

Williams’ background reveals a promising athletic career cut short by legal troubles. He was a highly touted football prospect, ranked as the top safety in his recruiting class. He began his college career at Miami before transferring to the University of Maryland, where he played for one season. According to reports from the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Williams was heavily recruited by several prominent college football programs, including Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Penn State, highlighting his exceptional talent and potential on the field.

This is not the first time Williams has faced legal scrutiny. In 2021, he was arrested and charged with assault following an alleged incident involving a pregnant woman. However, those charges were later dismissed, allowing him to avoid prosecution in that case. The current murder charge represents a significant escalation in the severity of the allegations against him and could result in a lengthy prison sentence if he is convicted.

The investigation into the shooting at McCabe’s Bar is ongoing, and the DeLand Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in their efforts. The department is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure that justice is served in this tragic case.

The community in DeLand, Florida, is grappling with the aftermath of the shooting. The incident has shaken residents and raised concerns about safety and security in the area. The bar, McCabe’s Bar, is a local establishment, and the shooting has had a profound impact on the bar’s employees, patrons, and the wider community.

The legal proceedings against Williams will likely be complex and lengthy. The prosecution will need to present compelling evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Williams intentionally shot and killed Harris. The defense, on the other hand, will likely argue that Williams acted in self-defense or that the shooting was accidental.

The case is being closely watched by the media and the public. The involvement of a former college football player, the tragic loss of life, and the circumstances surrounding the shooting have all contributed to the high level of interest in the case.

The outcome of the trial will have significant consequences for Williams and the families of both Harris and the injured bartender. The legal proceedings will also likely have a lasting impact on the DeLand community.

As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, more details about the shooting at McCabe’s Bar are expected to emerge. The DeLand Police Department remains committed to providing updates to the public as the case progresses. The community is hoping for a swift and just resolution to this tragic incident. The focus remains on gathering all available evidence and conducting a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. The police are actively encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the events or has any information related to the shooting to come forward and assist with the investigation.