Xavier Williams, a 10-year-old boy described as adorable by friends, schoolmates and community has d!ed from “gruesome abuse” at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend.
Both adults have had their charges upgraded, according to the Office of the State Attorney.
On Feb. 23, Xavier Williams was rushed to Advent Health Waterman in Tavares, covered in bruises, burn marks and other injuries consistent with abuse. The child was brought to the hospital by his mother, Kimberley Mills and her boyfriend, Andre Walker.
Police responded to Advent Health and arrested Mills for aggravated child abuse. Walker later turned himself in, after initially leaving the hospital.
On Feb. 28, the police department announced additional charges for Mills including two counts of aggravated child abuse, two counts of child neglect, two counts of accessory to aggravated child abuse and tampering with evidence. Walker also received charges of two counts of aggravated child abuse, two counts of accessory to aggravated child abuse and tampering with evidence.
The child remained in critical condition for several weeks until the Tavares Police Department announced his death on March 21.
“It is clear to our agency that this child underwent gruesome abuse. He is covered head to toe in various-sized bruises that are in various stages of healing,” Tavares Police Detective Courtney Sullivan said back in February.
The 5th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, covering Lake County, announced Tuesday the upgraded charges. Mills and Walker are now charged with one count of principal to murder in the second degree and two counts of principal to aggravated child abuse.
A copy of the filing read in part:
“Florida
Mom, boyfriend now facing murder charge after 10-year-old dies from ‘gruesome abuse”
The 5th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, covering Lake County, announced Tuesday the upgraded charges. Mills and Walker are now charged with one count of principal to murder in the second degree and two counts of principal to aggravated child abuse.
A copy of the filing read in part:
“Kimberley Leonie Mills and Andrew Dwayne Walker on or about February 23, 2025, did unlawfully, by an act imminently dangerous to another, and envincing a depraved mind, regardless of human life… kill and murder [redacted], a human being, by striking him with hands, feet and/or various objects, in violation of Florida Statute 782.04(2).
Williams’ 9-year-old brother also suffered abuse from Mills and Walker. A search of the couple’s home revealed 10-pound weights, duct tape, copper wire, and a ladder, which were used to inflict harm on the two children.
On Tuesday, Tavares police released information about a candlelight vigil for Williams being held on Saturday, March 29. The celebration of life will take place at 7 p.m. at Wooton Park in downtown Tavares.
“Xavier’s family warmly invites everyone in our community to join them in this moment of remembrance and gratitude for your overwhelming support during this time,” officials wrote in a Facebook post. “Let us come together to show our love, compassion, and solidarity as we celebrate Xavier’s life and the joy he brought to those around him.”
Those attending are asked to wear the color blue, the child’s favorite color, as a gesture of unity of love. Officials recommend bringing your own candle to light, in the case the event candles run out.
The Tavares Police Charity is accepting donations to support the family. 100% of the funds raised will go to the family directly.
