Notes on Mike Williams True Crime Case

Introduction

• Host: Bella, True Crime YouTuber
• Case: Mike Williams, a solved case
• Time frame: Happened in 2000, solved in 2017
• Sponsor: Wild natural products

Case Background

• Subject: Jerry Michael Williams (Mike)
• Born: October 16, 1969
• Location: Bradfordville, Florida
• Family: Older brother Nick, parents Cheryl and father (a Greyhound bus driver)
• Education: North Florida Christian School, Florida State University
• Career: Property appraiser, successful with good income
• Marriage: Married Denise Merrill, had a child by 1999

Disappearance

• Date: December 16, 2000
• Event: Went duck hunting on Lake Seminole, never returned
• Initial Search: Conducted by family, friends, FWC, deputies
• Findings: Boat found, but no Mike
• Complications: Storm halted initial search

Theories and Investigation

• Initial Theory: Drowned and possibly eaten by alligators
• Evidence: Found waiters, hunting jacket, flashlight
• Waiters: Found 6 months later, suspicious condition
• Mother’s Theory: Cheryl suspected foul play due to inconsistencies
• Legal Action: Declared legally dead by February 11, 2001

Investigation and Developments

• 2004: Case reopened as suspicious missing person
• Problems: No preserved evidence, difficult investigation
• New Theories: Insurance fraud, affair with Brian Winchester
• Life Insurance: $1.75 million, sold by Brian
• Marriage: Denise and Brian married after Mike’s death

Confession and Arrest

• 2016: Denise and Brian divorce
• August 2016: Brian’s kidnapping attempt leads to arrest
• Confession: Brian confesses the murder to prosecutors
• Details: Affair with Denise, planned Mike’s murder
• Method: Drowning attempt, then shot Mike

Legal Consequences

• Denise: Arrested May 8, 2016, for murder, conspiracy
• Trial: Found guilty in December 2018
• Sentencing: Life imprisonment, later reduced to 30 years
• Brian: Sentenced for kidnapping, made deal for immunity on murder charge

Conclusion

• Key Figure: Cheryl’s persistent efforts led to solving the case
• Impact: Denise and Brian both imprisoned
• Legacy: Mike’s daughter received remaining assets and insurance funds

Final Thoughts

• Case impact: Highlighted evil and betrayal in human nature
• Cheryl’s role: Crucial in achieving justice
• Public reaction: Case deemed insane and emotional