WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Ralph Hensel was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the shooting death of Ja’Keem Williams at a Winter Garden apartment complex.
Williams, 32, was riding an ATV when he was killed Feb. 20, 2025. He was a father of three, according to Channel 9’s previous reporting.
The State Attorney’s Office announced the sentence Tuesday, with State Attorney Monique Worrell saying the outcome holds Hensel accountable while recognizing the lasting loss for Williams’ family.
“No sentence can bring Ja’Keem back or take away the pain his loved ones will carry for the rest of their lives,” Worrell said.
Shooting captured on video
Investigators said surveillance video showed Hensel walking from the leasing office area, waiting for Williams and shooting him as he rode by.
According to a police report previously reviewed by Channel 9, witnesses described seeing Hensel approach the ATV with a gun, hearing shouting and then two gunshots. Witnesses said Hensel walked back toward the office saying, “I killed him.” Read the earlier coverage here.
Guilty plea and life sentence
A grand jury previously indicted Hensel on first-degree murder. Tuesday’s announcement said he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
Worrell thanked Winter Garden police and the prosecutors who handled the case.
“Every homicide leaves behind a family and a neighborhood that will never be the same,” she said. “My heart is with everyone who loved Ja’Keem.”
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