Man Sentenced to 45 Years Following Jury Conviction of 2021 Murder, Armed Robbery
NORFOLK, Va. – Today, 34-year-old Antonio Lee Williams was sentenced in Norfolk Circuit Court to 45 years in prison for the murder of 40-year-old Calvin Raymond Byas, the armed robbery of two employees at a local Latin market, and multiple associated firearm charges.
On July 9, 2021, Mr. Williams went to La Botica Hispana #2 Latin Store on Chesapeake Boulevard, presented a gun, and robbed two clerks, one of whom was pregnant. Later that same day, Mr. Williams shot and killed Mr. Byas outside of Mr. Byas’ home and in front of Mr. Byas’ wife. Mr. Williams’s motive behind the homicide remains unclear.
On Aug. 10, 2023, a Norfolk jury found Mr. Williams guilty of second-degree murder, the use of a firearm in the commission of murder, armed robbery, the use of a firearm in the commission of robbery, reckless handling of a firearm, and shooting in a public place.
On Friday, Judge Everett A. Martin Jr. sentenced Mr. Williams to 50 years in prison, with five years suspended on the conditions that Mr. Williams complete 10 years of uniform good behavior and an indeterminate period indeterminate supervised probation. Mr. Williams’s state sentencing guidelines recommended a sentence between 17 years and six months and 29 years and three months.
“Once again, I extend my condolences to Mr. Byas’ widow and family and my appreciation to the witnesses and law enforcement officers who helped us present this case,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “Unfortunately, no sentence will bring back Mr. Byas, but I hope that the conclusion of the case offers his family some closure and a road to healing.”
Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Gordon C. Ufkes and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Anthony J. Balady prosecuted Mr. Williams’ cases on behalf of the Commonwealth, and retired Norfolk Police Detective Jean Claude Noel led the investigation.
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August 10, 2023
Jury Convicts Norfolk Man of Murder, Armed Robbery From Two Incidents in 2021
NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk jury on Thursday convicted 34-year-old Antonio Lee Williams of the murder of 40-year-old Calvin Raymond Byas, the armed robbery of two employees at a local Latin market, and multiple related firearm charges.
On July 9, 2021, Mr. Williams went to La Botica Hispana #2 Latin Store on Chesapeake Boulevard, presented a gun, and robbed two clerks, one of whom was pregnant. Later that same day, Mr. Williams shot and killed Mr. Byas outside of Mr. Byas’ home and in front of Mr. Byas’ wife. Mr. Williams’s motive behind the homicide remains unclear.
After about three hours of deliberation following the two-day-long trial, the jury found Mr. Williams guilty of second-degree murder, the use of a firearm in the commission of murder, armed robbery, the use of a firearm in the commission of robbery, reckless handling of a firearm, and shooting in a public place. The jury acquitted Mr. Williams of the attempted malicious wounding of a patron of the Latin market and the use of a firearm in the attempt to commit that offense. Mr. Williams is docketed for sentencing before Judge Everett A. Martin Jr. on Oct. 20.
“My condolences to the family of Calvin Byas; our thoughts are with you,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “Thank you to Mr. Byas’ widow and to the witnesses from the scene of the robbery, who came to court and by testifying gave us the evidence necessary to prosecute Mr. Williams and hold him accountable.”
Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Gordon C. Ufkes and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Anthony J. Balady are prosecuting Mr. Williams’ cases on behalf of the Commonwealth.
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