WICHITA, KANSAS: A Kansas teen appeared in court on Monday, September 18, 2023, after he faced charges over the death of a beloved mother and grandmother who was fatally shot earlier this month after leaving a varsity football game with her husband.
According to Sedgwick County court records, Daryon Boone, 19, has been accused of one count each of murder in the first degree, and unlawful discharge of a firearm.
Norma L Williams, 69, and her husband George M Williams came across a group of stunt rider motorcyclists on September 1 at an intersection, according to the Wichita Police Department, Hutchinson, CBS affiliate KWCH reported.
How did Norma L Williams die?
Authorities said that the bikes were blocking traffic. Williams’ 2021 Honda Ridgeline was struck by Boone at some point as the group of street racers ran a red light, authorities later said. After that, a group of three or four cyclists chased the pickup truck down, according to the WPD.
The family tried to escape but somewhere along East Central Ave in Wichita, Boone fired a couple of times into the back of the Ridgeline after he reportedly pulled a handgun out. The driver was unharmed but unfortunately, the front-seat passenger was struck at least once.
Responding officers performed life-saving measures after they found Norma Williams with a gunshot wound to her upper body. She was then rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors pronounced her dead.
Local law enforcement had used harsh words for the defendant. “It’s sickening,” Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan told KWCH in early September. “It’s disgusting. And, it’s unacceptable,” he added.
Norma L Williams' family says losing her was 'devastating'
“Norma was everybody’s best friend,” April Quillin, an instructor at Pure Barre Wichita, told the TV station in the days following her friend's tragic death.
“She loved everybody. To not have her anymore is devastating. It’s devastating to everybody who has known her and it’s unfortunate that more people don’t get to know her and be in her world because she was so very special to everybody,” she added.
“It’s that wave of sadness, knowing that you’re just not going to see her,” Quillin said, before adding, “And hurt for her family, especially for her grandkids. They lost a huge piece of their life. I just wish everybody would have had a chance to meet her.”
Norma Williams reportedly worked out in the same back corner every time which now has been turned into a memorial. “I got to be right next to Norma, I don’t think I stood next to anyone else except for Norma,” fellow Pure Barre enthusiast Erika Powell told KWCH.
“The two of us were always in trouble in the back. We were literally in the back corner and it was always ‘What are you two doing back there? What are you talking about? Why are you laughing? Do you want to share with the class?’ Working out yesterday in class was tough because I didn’t have my partner to look at,” Powell added.
GoFundMe fundraiser created to cover funeral cost
“Norma loved nature and being outdoors,” the fundraiser on GoFundMe reads.
“Her favorite thing to do was cheer on her grandkids at their sporting events. She was a beloved wife of 52 years. A wonderful mother, Nana, sister and friend. Norma leaves behind a grieving family wondering why this senseless act had occurred,” it further read.
Where is Daryon Boone now?
Daryon Boone was arrested just after the shooting and was detained in the Sedgwick County Jail before being released on a $500,000 bond two days later. He is slated to next appear in court on October 2.
