Marquel Williams, a Georgia resident, has been convicted of the murder of his neighbor, Stanislas Alverna, after a violent confrontation outside an extended stay hotel.
According to prosecutors, Williams used a gun loaded with “R.I.P” bullets—designed to fragment on impact and cause more severe damage—to kill Alverna in September 2020.
The tragic event unfolded during a heated “meeting” between the two men, where Alverna had confronted Williams about spreading rumors about him and other residents of the hotel.
Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson stated in a press release that Alverna was simply attempting to resolve the issue, but Williams responded with deadly violence.
Williams, 33, was found guilty of murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault for the killing of 26-year-old Alverna.
The shooting took place outside the hotel at 4350 Stone Mountain Highway in Lilburn, located about 25 miles northeast of Atlanta. Williams was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
The investigation, led by the Gwinnett County Police Department, revealed that Williams had been spreading harmful rumors about Alverna and other residents in the complex.
The confrontation occurred in the hotel parking lot, where several people were present, including Williams and Alverna. Prosecutors noted that while Williams was known to carry a gun, Alverna was unarmed.
When Alverna approached Williams to inquire about the rumors, Williams drew his handgun and shot Alverna five times. The bullets struck his finger, chest, abdomen, side, and back.
The gun Williams used was loaded with “R.I.P” bullets, which are designed to cause more damage by fragmenting upon contact.
After the shooting, Williams fled the scene and disposed of his weapon in a wooded area. He then shaved his head and went into hiding for four days while police continued to investigate. Eventually, the gun was found by someone at the hotel and handed over to Alverna’s family, who then turned it over to authorities.
Williams, having significantly altered his appearance, eventually turned himself in to the police. He now faces the consequences of his violent actions.
District Attorney Austin-Gatson expressed hope that Alverna’s family would find some comfort in knowing that justice had been served, offering them closure and the opportunity for healing after this senseless loss.