Editor’s note: This article features a storyline within Fox Nation’s new series “50 Ways to Catch A Killer.” This series is now available on Fox Nation, is hosted by 50 cent and sheds light on real cases where investigators had to flip the script to take down killers who thought they were getting away with murder.
The following Post article is from 2019, resurfaced in cooperation with Fox Nation.
A Florida widow was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday for plotting with her former lover to kill her husband and high school sweetheart.
Denise Williams, 48, was convicted in December of helping to murder her husband, Mike Williams, who vanished in 2000 while on a hunting trip to Lake Seminole.
With initial search efforts unsuccessful, investigators presumed the 31-year-old real estate appraiser was eaten by alligators.
His widow wasn’t charged until 17 years later after the discovery of his body with signs of foul play.
Denise was accused of having an affair with Mike’s best friend, Brian Winchester, and conspiring with him to kill her husband so they could be together. Winchester confessed to authorities in 2017 that he lured Mike to Lake Seminole and shot him in the face.
The judge sentenced Denise on Wednesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole. She also received an additional 30 years for helping plot the murder.
Mike’s mother broke down in Leon County Court as she appealed to the judge to give Denise the maximum sentence, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.
Cheryl Williams AP“My son’s horrific death demands justice,” Cheryl Williams said. “With today’s sentencing of Denise Merrell Williams Winchester, I believe justice will have been served.”
