NORFOLK, Va. — A man was found guilty on Wednesday of a 2022 attack that left his ex-girlfriend's cousin paralyzed in Norfolk.
Prosecutors said the incident happened on June 2, 2022, near the intersection of Church Street and A Avenue. The victim was riding his bike when 59-year-old Billy D. Williams drove up next to him and called out to him.
The two men knew each other because Williams was the ex-boyfriend of the victim's cousin. Prosecutors said the conversation became hostile, with Williams blaming the other man for the recent breakup.
When the victim turned his back on Williams and began to ride his bike away, that's when Williams punched him in the back of the head and knocked him to the ground. He continued punching the victim in the head and neck before fleeing in his vehicle.
The victim had lost consciousness and awoke to witnesses helping him and calling 911. He was taken to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries, including a broken neck. He was initially paralyzed from the neck down but has since slowly begun to regain the use of his limbs.
Williams was arrested days later at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where he worked as a contractor.
A jury found Williams guilty of aggravated malicious wounding, following a one-day trial. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 31.
