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Former University of Miami and University of Maryland safety Avantae Williams has been charged with murder and is in custody at the Volusia County Jail in Florida. The 24-year-old was arrested after a shooting at McCabe’s Bar in downtown DeLand early Saturday morning.
According to Fox 35 News, Avantae Williams was charged with second-degree murder after 32-year-old Keshod Harris was shot seven times in the chest during an altercation at the bar. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died. An employee at a liquor store connected to the bar, only identified as Courtney, was also shot in both hands while trying to break up the fight.
“At this time, this remains an open and active investigation,” the DeLand Police Department wrote on social media. “Detectives still continue to collect evidence and conduct interviews with people concerning the facts and circumstances of this shooting incident. Approximately 40 patrons were inside McCabe’s Bar on the night of the incident and they may have information that will help bring justice in this case.”
Police claim Avantae Williams fled the scene after the shooting. An investigation conducted by DeLand Police Department Criminal Investigations Division detectives and the State Attorney’s Office identified Williams as the alleged shooter.
The identity of the shooter’s intended target has not been confirmed, and authorities have not provided details about the events that escalated into violence. It’s unclear whether additional suspects may be involved or if further arrests could follow.
Investigators have yet to release a clear sequence of events or confirm if any weapons have been recovered.
Stephanie Kirby, a bartender who witnessed the shooting from just a few feet away, told Fox 35 News, “There was chaos, you know, everybody was running. When bullets are flying, and you don’t know where they’re gonna land, that’s pretty scary.”
Avantae Williams was a four-star prospect from Deland and was rated the number one safety in the 2020 class by Rivals. He redshirted his freshman year with the Miami Hurricanes. The next season, he played in six games, recording 18 tackles and an interception. As a third-year sophomore, Williams played in 11 games for Miami, but recorded just 9 tackles. He then transferred to Maryland and had just 3 tackles in 5 games. He reportedly re-entered the transfer portal in 2023, but has not played college football since.