Seminole County

Plea deal possible for man accused of killing teen in Casselberry park

CASSELBERRY, Fla. — It’s been about three and a half years since 17-year-old Bryce Williams was shot and killed while sitting in his car at a Casselberry park.

The suspect in Williams New Year’s Day slaying at Lake Hodge Park, Antwann Ricks, who is facing a charge of first-degree murder, could soon learn his fate. A plea deal could be agreed to next week.

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

Williams’ family said they are not too thrilled about the deal. His grandmother, Kim Crow, said the family feels like the plea deal is a slap on the wrist for the crime of taking someone’s life.

“What we heard was that the plea would be to plead guilty to second-degree murder and 20 years,” Crow said.

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

The state attorney’s office said while there is a plea hearing set for Tuesday, nothing is set in stone at this point as far as what the plea deal will end up being.

A judge could also still sentence Ricks to a stiffer penalty in whatever deal is settled upon.

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


Jeff Levkulich

Jeff Levkulich, WFTV.com

Jeff Levkulich joined the Eyewitness News team as a reporter in June 2015.

Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.