Man Gets Life for Killing Friend Who Was Helping Him Move

A friend helping Terry Jefferson move into a Milwaukee apartment was shot and killed during the move. Jefferson has now been sentenced to life in prison for Charles Williams’ death.

Milwaukee County Judge Laura Crivello imposed the sentence on Oct. 8. A jury had convicted Jefferson, 35, of first-degree intentional homicide in July.

Williams was helping transport Jefferson’s belongings on Feb. 26, 2025. The two men used a shopping cart and the building’s elevator to move items from a vehicle into the apartment, according to a criminal complaint described by Law&Crime.

Gunfire Drew Officers to the Hallway

Milwaukee officers were already in the building looking for a wanted person when they heard gunfire shortly before 5 p.m., according to court filings reported by FOX6.

They found Jefferson and Williams in a second-floor hallway. Police ordered Jefferson to put down the gun he was holding and took him into custody.

Williams was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A Witness and Doorbell Camera Recorded the Encounter

A witness told detectives that Jefferson claimed Williams had tried to grab his gun. The witness also supplied a 22-second doorbell-camera recording that captured part of the encounter after the initial gunfire, according to the complaint.

During a police interview, Jefferson said he believed Williams was reaching for his weapon. He also acknowledged that he had not seen Williams with a gun or another weapon, court filings said.

Jefferson claimed self-defense. The jury returned a guilty verdict on the intentional-homicide charge.

Release Eligibility Begins After 35 Years

The life sentence allows Jefferson to become eligible for release on extended supervision after serving 35 years, FOX6 reported from court information. Eligibility does not guarantee that he will be released.

References: Milwaukee apartment homicide, man sentenced to life in prison | Man shot friend helping him move after ‘grabbing for stuff’

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