⚠️ A Cumberland County jury convicted Craig Williams of murdering both of his parents.

🔴 Prosecutors said Williams tried to destroy evidence after the March 2023 killings.

➡️ Williams faces 30 years to life in prison for each murder conviction.


HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP (Cumberland) — A man who tried to wash off his parents' blood after their gruesome slayings has been convicted of double murder.

On Thursday, a Cumberland County jury found Craig Williams guilty of the March 9, 2023 killings. The verdict comes exactly one month after jury selection began on June 2 in Superior Court in Cumberland County.

According to prosecutors, the 37-year-old Williams was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, third-degree tampering with physical evidence, third-degree hindering, fourth-degree obstruction, and three weapons offenses. He faces 30 years to life in prison for each murder charge.

Billy C. Williams, at left, and Brenda Lee Williams were killed on March 9, 2023. (The Freitag Funeral Home)
Billy C. Williams, at left, and Brenda Lee Williams were killed on March 9, 2023. (The Freitag Funeral Home)
Billy C. Williams, at left, and Brenda Lee Williams were killed on March 9, 2023. (The Freitag Funeral Home)

Troopers found the victims after family requested a well-being check

On March 13, 2023, State Police found a horrific scene at 11 Tipton Drive in Hopewell Township. The officers were called for a well-being check of Brenda Williams, 62, and Billy Williams, Jr., 63, after family members hadn't heard from them. But they had been dead for four days; their son, Craig Williams, opened the door for the troopers.

The son, who lived there with his parents, said that his mother and father weren't home. Troopers found the bodies in the home's primary bedroom and bathroom, prosecutors said. They had been repeatedly stabbed.

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In this April 2023 Google Street View Image, a notice hangs on the front door of the home on Tipton Drive, one month after Brenda Williams and Billy Williams, Jr. were stabbed to death. (Google Maps)
In this April 2023 Google Street View Image, a notice hangs on the front door of the home on Tipton Drive, one month after Brenda Williams and Billy Williams, Jr. were stabbed to death. (Google Maps)
In this April 2023 Google Street View Image, a notice hangs on the front door of the home on Tipton Drive, one month after Brenda Williams and Billy Williams, Jr. were stabbed to death. (Google Maps)

Prosecutors said Williams tried to hide evidence after the killings

Investigators found that Williams tried to cover up his parricide. He'd thrown away bloody clothing, gloves, shoes, and towels. He also attempted to get rid of a surveillance camera and his parents' cell phones.

Police found a butcher knife in the living room and blood stains around a sink, NJ.com reported. It appeared that Williams had tried to wash his parents' blood off the murder weapon.

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