TAVARES, Fla.—The couple accused of abusing and torturing a Tavares boy to death is now facing additional charges, principal to second-degree murder and two counts of principal to aggravated child abuse, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office said Monday.
While law enforcement and prosecutors continued to work toward securing justice for Xavier Williams and his little brother Monday, his friends and classmates expressed their feelings with a message.
Xavier, 10, died Friday from injuries he suffered at the hands of his mother, Kimberley Mills, 37, and her boyfriend, Andre Walker, 36, according to Tavares Police Department. The couple brought Xavier to AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares Feb. 22 suffering from cardiac arrest and covered in burns and bruises. He was later airlifted to an Orlando hospital where he fought for his life for nearly a month. He never regained consciousness.
TPD Public Information Officer Courtney Sullivan called the abuse “unimaginable” and “horrific,” and released some details earlier this month. Police believe Xavier was restrained with duct tape while weights were dropped onto his stomach. “His hands were bound above his head, leaving him defenseless,” she said. Detectives also uncovered evidence Xavier’s little brother was victimized.
A candlelight vigil to celebrate and honor Xavier is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, Wooton Park, downtown Tavares, The public in invited to attend and encouraged to wear blue, Xavier’s favorite color.
Previous stories: Police identify Tavares boy who died from alleged abuse, candlelight vigil scheduled in his honor – Inside Lake
Community mourns loss of Tavares boy, a victim of “unimaginable abuse” – Inside Lake
Man wanted in connection with Tavares child abuse case in custody – Inside Lake
