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⚖️ Defendant pleads guilty to first-degree murder of Deputy Ray Hamilton
🛑 Death penalty waived in deal approved by Hamilton’s family
📅 Sentencing scheduled for August 28 at Fort Walton Beach courthouse
FORT WALTON BEACH — Nearly three years after the fatal shooting of Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Corporal Ray Hamilton, the man accused in his death has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.
On Thursday, Timothy Paul Price Williams entered the plea as part of a deal that spares him the death penalty. Prosecutors said Williams waived all rights to appeal, providing finality for the family of the slain deputy.
The deal came after discussions between the State Attorney’s Office and Hamilton’s family, who agreed to the plea to avoid a prolonged court process. Hamilton was shot and killed on Christmas Eve in 2022 while responding to a domestic violence call.
Chief Assistant State Attorney Bridgette Jensen and Assistant State Attorney Trey Myers led the prosecution. They said the agreement held the defendant fully accountable while respecting the wishes of Hamilton’s family.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex Extension in Fort Walton Beach.
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