DC Man Gets 45 Years For Shooting Ex-Partner More Than 20 Times

Wonell Jones, Jr., 38, received a 45-year prison sentence on Wednesday for the murder of his children's mother, Audora Williams. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced that Jones will also serve five years of supervised release after he completes his prison term.

A jury convicted Jones of murder and gun offenses in July. The court found that he returned to Williams' apartment in the 2900 block of Knox Place, Southeast, on July 19, 2022, after grocery shopping with one of her sons. Surveillance footage showed him entering the building with the child.

Court documents state that eight children were inside the apartment when Jones arrived. The group included three children belonging to Jones, three belonging to Williams, and a toddler and a baby that the couple shared. A temporary protective order barred Jones from contacting Williams at the time. A hearing on the order was scheduled for days after the shooting.

Jones closed the door to Williams' room and started a loud argument, accusing her of cheating, according to records. The noise increased until gunshots fired. He then stepped out of the room, discharged additional rounds, and fled the apartment, leaving the children inside. Williams died from more than 20 gunshot wounds inflicted by two different firearms.

Police arrested Jones in Florida on August 29, 2022. He was extradited to Washington, D.C., in October of that year. He has remained in custody since his return.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro described the violence as staggering and senseless in a statement. "The defendant fled, but he did not outrun justice," Pirro said. "His capture and return to the District make clear that those who commit this level of brutality will be held to account, and today he is going to prison for it."

The sentencing concluded the federal case. Jones began his 45-year term immediately following the judge's ruling.