California sheriff's deputy sought in 2 fatal shootings surrenders to police

Celina Tebor, USA TODAY
·2 min read
17

A California sheriff's deputy sought in the fatal slayings of a couple early Wednesday has turned himself in after a statewide search, officials said.

Devin Williams Jr., 24, a deputy with the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, peacefully surrendered to police Wednesday just minutes before a noon press conference, Dublin Police Chief Garrett Holmes said.

Police found a 42-year-old woman and a 58-year-old man suffering from apparent gunshot wounds in their house in Dublin, California, around 12:45 a.m. PT on Wednesday, according to a press release from the City of Dublin. Dublin is located about 30 miles east of San Francisco.

Williams used his employee firearm in the shooting, Alameda County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Ray Kelly said. Authorities believe he discarded the gun and are searching for it.

Williams knew the two victims, who were a couple, Kelly said. “This was not a random crime,” he said.

The sheriff's deputy, who was off-duty during the shooting, has no record of police misconduct, according to Kelly. He said Williams graduated with honors from his university and comes from an affluent family.

"He actually has glowing reviews," he told USA TODAY. "I see nothing outstanding in regards to misconduct."

Williams has been employed with the Alameda County Sheriff's Office for one year, Kelly said. He has been on probationary status at the sheriff's office, working at the courthouse, after failing the officer field safety program at the Stockton Police Department and being dismissed.

His inability to complete the program stemmed from issues over multitasking, Kelly said.

"He struggled with the general overall competency skills," Kelly told USA TODAY. "He struggled to meet the objectives of the program that are required for a fully-trained police officer."

Like many other law enforcement offices across the country, he said, the sheriff's office has struggled with staffing issues.

Police have yet to identify a motive for the crime, but Williams is the sole suspect in the double homicide, Kelly said.

“We’re just thankful that this came to a peaceful resolution," Kelly said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alameda County sheriff's deputy sought in two slayings surrenders