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- calendar_today November 9, 2026
Jury Selection Underway in Murder Trial for Winter Garden Shooting
Jury selection began Monday morning in the high-profile murder trial of Ralph Francis Hensel, 57, who is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Ja’Keem DeShun Williams. The incident took place near a Winter Garden apartment complex in February 2025, drawing notable attention in Orange County.
Incident Details: Shooting Near Apartment Complex
According to Orange County police reports, officers responded to a call in the 1,000-block of Horizon Street and found 32-year-old Ja’Keem Williams dead next to his ATV. Witnesses stated that Hensel approached Williams and shouted at him before firing two shots.
Surveillance Evidence and Witness Statements
Authorities reviewed surveillance footage that reportedly showed Hensel walking from the leasing office area of the apartment complex while carrying a firearm. He was observed circling a nearby building, then lying in wait before shooting Williams as he rode by on his ATV. Following the shooting, investigators said Hensel told witnesses, “I killed him.”
Previous Tensions Over ATV Riding
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Williams' family, indicated that Hensel had a history of antagonizing ATV riders at the complex. Crump noted that Hensel routinely attempted to intimidate those riding in a vacant lot adjacent to the apartments, frequently calling police and issuing verbal threats. Reportedly, Hensel had warned that if authorities did not intervene, he would personally “handle it.”
Timeline Leading to Trial
The fatal shooting prompted widespread concern among local residents and led to Hensel’s immediate arrest. After the shooting, Hensel was seen returning to the apartment office and waiting inside, according to witness testimony conveyed by Crump. Hensel has remained in custody without bond since his arrest.
Legal Proceedings at Orange County Courthouse
Jury selection for the murder trial is taking place at the Orange County courthouse, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Hensel faces a single charge of first-degree murder. If convicted, he could face a life sentence in prison. The trial is anticipated to highlight issues of gun violence, community safety, and tensions between residents and ATV riders near the Winter Garden complex.
Source: clickorlando.com.
