'I was elated’: Grandmother speaks out after suspect arrested 2 years after grandson’s shooting death

CASSELBERRY, Fla. — The grandmother of the 17-year-old who was fatally shot on New Year’s Day 2018 said she is “so overjoyed” that a suspect has been arrested more than two years later.

Antwann Ricks, 20, was charged with one count of felony homicide, one count of armed burglary to a conveyance and one count of assault with intent to commit a felony in connection with the death of 17-year-old Bryce Williams at Lake Hodge Park on Osceola Trail, in Casselberry, police said Tuesday.

Read: Family, friends remember teen found fatally shot in car that crashed into Casselberry home

After hearing a suspect had been arrested, Williams’ grandmother Kim Crow, who also raised him, said she “was elated.”

“I was shocked. I mean, you hope this day (comes), and then when it finally happens you are just blasted with all kinds of emotions,” Crow said. “But I was thrilled. Our whole family was thrilled.”

Ricks was booked at the Orange County Jail with no bail.

Crow returned to the memorial of her grandson at Lake Hodge Park, where he was shot and killed. One of Williams’ former teachers at Winter Springs Elementary School left a note reading, “I am so overjoyed that they finally caught the person that harmed Bryce.”

Read: Woman seeks answers 5 months after grandson gunned down at Casselberry park

Crow said the family always remained hopeful but as the two years went by, they wondered if a suspect would ever be arrested.

“The main thing, back in the beginning, is we did not want him to be forgotten or a statistic or an unsolved case.”

Crow thanked the Casselberry Police Department, who “worked so hard and promised they weren’t going to stop until they mad an arrest, and they did it.”

Crow said she is not familiar with Ricks. Casselberry police have not revealed what his role was, but the investigation remains open.

“There were several people in the car, and we are hoping this is only the beginning and it will lead to additional arrests,” Crow said.

© 2020 Cox Media Group