On Feb. 20, Ja’Keem Williams was tragically shot and killed while riding his ATV near the Baypoint Apartments in Winter Garden, just outside Orlando. Williams, a father of three young children, was found dead by his motherHis family was left grappling with explaining his absence.
The family is now being represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is demanding answers regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting. Crump questioned whether others are accountabile in the case. He emphasizes the need to examine if Williams’ death could have been prevented.
The alleged shooter, Ralph Hensel, was a maintenance worker at the apartment complex and had reportedly made prior threats against ATV riders in the area. Crump argued that if those threats were known and ignored, others should be held responsible for the tragedy.
“If he had been threatening them before and they did nothing about it, then Ja’Keem’s blood is on their hands too,” said Crump.
Police reports indicate that Hensel admitted to the killing and is now being held without bond on a charge of first-degree murder. Authorities state that Hensel was lying in wait before ambushing Williams as he rode past. The case has raised concerns about whether appropriate measures were taken to address Hensel’s previous threats, and whether intervention could have prevented the fatal encounter. Crump continues to push for full transparency as the case moves forward, urging the community to seek justice.
Crump has called on the public to stand together in demanding justice. The tragedy has left a grieving family searching for answers while also shedding light on broader community safety and accountability issues.
