Inset: Marquel Williams (Gwinnett County Police Department). Background: The extended stay hotel at 4350 Stone Mountain Highway in Gwinnett County, Ga., where Marquel Williams killed his neighbor (Google Maps).
Armed with a pistol that had “R.I.P” bullets loaded into it — which fragment on contact to cause more damage — Georgia resident Marquel Williams gunned down one of his neighbors in cold blood while they were having a “meeting” about him “making up rumors” about the victim, according to prosecutors, who announced Williams’ conviction for murder on Wednesday.
“Stanislas Alverna was merely trying to communicate with the defendant in an attempt to resolve a verbal dispute,” said Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson in a press release and accompanying statement. “This defendant, however, responded with violence.”
Williams, 33, was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault for the September 2020 shooting death of Alverna, 26, outside the extended stay hotel where they lived at 4350 Stone Mountain Highway in Lilburn, which is about 25 miles northeast of Atlanta. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
Prosecutors and the Gwinnett County Police Department reported that an investigation revealed how Williams had been spreading “rumors” about Alverna and others in the complex where they lived. The “meeting” between them was held in the parking lot with Williams, Alverna and a number of other residents present.
“The defendant was known to carry a gun, and Alverna was known for being unarmed,” according to prosecutors. “When Alverna approached and asked why the rumors were started, Williams drew his handgun and shot Alverna five times,” the DA’s office said. “Williams’ gun was specifically loaded with ‘R.I.P.’ bullets, which fragment on contact to cause more damage. Alverna was shot five times. The shots hit his finger, his chest, his abdomen, his side and the last shot was in his back.”
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Williams fled the scene afterward and threw his gun into a wooded area. He also shaved his head and “disappeared for four days” while cops probed the incident.
The murder weapon wound up being found by someone at the extended stay hotel and turned over to Alverna’s family, who then gave it to police investigators.
“Williams, having vastly changed his appearance, turned himself in to police days later,” according to prosecutors.
“Mr. Alverna’s family and loved ones should find some comfort in knowing this defendant will be held accountable,” Austin-Gatson said. “We hope that helps Mr. Alverna’s family find some closure and healing.”
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