Florida Inmate Released Amid Coronavirus, Commits Murder Within 24 Hours

Hillsborough County, which resides in Tampa, Florida, recently released over 100 inmates amid the Coronavirus pandemic in an effort to slow the spread of it.

They are regretting some of that decision.

26-year-old Joseph Edwards Williams was one of the inmates released for a non-violent crime, possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the police, Williams was released from custody at 8:02 a.m. on Thursday, March 19 and was back in jail the next day after being connected to a March 20th shooting homicide.

Sheriff Chad Chronister had this to say about the release and re-arrest...

“There is no question Joseph Williams took advantage of this health emergency to commit crimes while he was out of jail awaiting resolution of a low-level, non-violent offense."

“As a result, I call on the State Attorney to prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law.”

After his court appearance, Williams is being held in jail with a combined bond of over a quarter-million dollars. 

His case may be part of the reason another judge just turned down YNW Melly's request for a Coronavirus release as he awaits his murder trial.