Las Vegas Woman Allegedly Strangled by Ex-Boyfriend Days After Protective Order Expires
A tragic incident in Las Vegas has shed light on the consequences of expired protective orders. Shirley Williams, a 56-year-old woman, was found dead in her home just days after her protective order against her ex-boyfriend, Ronald Martin Hetzel Jr., had expired. Hetzel has been arrested and charged with murder.
The events unfolded on January 29 when the police received a report about Williams’ death. Officers found her lifeless body on the bedroom floor. Prior to this tragic incident, Williams had expressed her fear of Hetzel to friends, stating that she was scared to death of him. Multiple individuals who knew Hetzel described him as having a violent temper.
The relationship between Hetzel and Williams had turned tumultuous after they became roommates a year prior and began dating six months later. Hetzel had a history of violence, with a conviction for battery domestic violence in 2010 and a home invasion charge in 2013.
Trouble escalated between Hetzel and Williams in October 2022 when he allegedly slapped and pushed her into a wall. Williams had initiated legal proceedings to evict Hetzel, leading to his arrest for battery domestic violence. However, the protection order Williams held against Hetzel expired on January 25, 2023, just days before her untimely death.
Disturbingly, before the fatal incident, Hetzel allegedly confessed to a mutual acquaintance that he had choked and killed Williams, expressing his intent to flee to Mexico. This information was relayed to a friend of Williams’, who rushed to check on her and discovered her lifeless body.
In the days following the murder, Hetzel was linked to suspicious activities. He approached someone he knew, displaying a scratch mark on his head and claiming to have choked Williams. He even handed over Williams’ phone before driving away. Later, he attempted to donate a bag containing various items, including locks, a broken crack pipe, and license plates. Although he left before the police arrived, this incident raised further suspicions.
Four days after the murder, Hetzel was apprehended in California and booked into a Victorville detention center on a murder charge. He currently awaits extradition to Las Vegas to face justice for his alleged heinous act.
This tragic incident emphasizes the importance of protective orders in ensuring the safety of victims in abusive relationships. It also highlights the need for society to address domestic violence aggressively and provide support to the victims. Authorities must continually raise awareness and strive to prevent such devastating outcomes.
As the investigation proceeds, friends and loved ones mourn the loss of Shirley Williams, a life cut short due to domestic violence—an issue that must not be ignored. It is crucial for communities and individuals to come together to create a safer environment for everyone, free from violence and fear.
