Before the verdict was announced, the defendant's relatives released a statement calling Veronica Williams "an important part of our family for almost 10 years," and saying they love her and miss her. "If we could change what has happened we definitely would," the statement went on. "All both families can do now is to be there for the children to ensure they know they have family that truly loves and cares about them. It is, and has been, our family's prayer that in time Veronica's family finds forgiveness, as we are so sorry for what has happened."
Shayna Samero was less forgiving. She had been driving on North Avenue that day, and testified in Williams' trial that she had seen him approach a woman on the sidewalk and attack her with "pure anger." Running to the victim's aid, Samero said she held a shirt to the woman's neck wounds and, referring to Williams, suggested to a police officer that he "kill the bastard."
