Florida Man Released From Jail Due To COVID-19, Arrested 24-Hours Later For Murder

An inmate in Florida who was released from jail because of imminent concerns for the spread of coronavirus in correctional facilities is now accused of murder- a mere 24 hours after his release.

According to USA Today, inmate Joseph Edward Williams, 26, was initially released last month – along with more than 100 others, in an attempt to curve the spread of coronavirus among incarcerated people.

Williams was initially arrested on a slew of drug charges, including possession of heroin. But now, authorities allege the man was involved in the murder of an unidentified man who was shot and killed.

Per the sheriff’s office, Williams was arrested the day after his release and is facing charges of second-degree murder, possession of firearms, heroin, and drug paraphernalia as a felon, as well as resisting an officer with violence.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said a statement. “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.”

Williams’ case is the only one in the county, in which an inmate is accused of committing a new crime following their release due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a report from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, 446 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 nationwide, including 14 who have died as of Tuesday.

Williams is being held in jail without bond.