Vickie Williams has been found guilty of murdering an elderly couple in their home at a retirement community in Mount Dora, Florida, after a jury rejected her defence that she was legally insane.
Williams was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Darryl Getman, 83, and his wife Sharon, 80, as well as grand theft. Jurors reached their verdict after deliberating for roughly half an hour on Tuesday.
The Getmans were found stabbed to death inside their home at the gated Waterman Village community on 31 December 2022.
Prosecutors argued that the killings were premeditated, pointing to evidence that Williams used three knives, cleaned herself and the scene in the couple’s bathroom, and took jewellery and their 2019 Kia Soul.
Williams’s lawyers did not dispute that she had killed the couple. They argued, however, that she was suffering from severe schizophrenia and psychosis at the time and did not understand that her actions were wrong.
In closing arguments, the defence said Williams had been “poisoned by schizophrenia” and consumed by psychosis. Prosecutors accepted that she had mental-health problems but maintained that her actions before and after the killings showed she understood what she was doing.
Williams was arrested in Savannah, Georgia, on 2 January 2023, after authorities traced her to the stolen Kia. Investigators said she had also taken paintings and other property from the Getmans’ home.
She was later ruled incompetent to stand trial in 2024 and sent for treatment before being declared fit to proceed. The case eventually went before a Lake County jury this month.
Williams showed little visible reaction when the verdicts were read. She briefly looked ahead before turning towards her lawyer and the judge.
Death penalty decision to follow
The sentencing phase is due to begin on Thursday, when jurors will consider whether to recommend the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
Prosecutors had previously said they would seek execution. The jury’s recommendation will be considered by the judge, who will impose the final sentence.
“This verdict brings accountability for the brutal deaths of Darryl and Sharon Getman,” State Attorney Bill Gladson said.
He thanked investigators and forensic analysts involved in the case, adding: “Most importantly, we remember Darryl and Sharon and the lives they should have been able to continue living.”
