Kern County Man Convicted of Murdering Ex-Girlfriend, Faces 80 Years to Life in Prison
Martin Williams
BAKERSFIELD, CA — “Martin Williams has been found guilty of the murder of his ex-girlfriend. In a case prosecuted by Deputy DA Christine Antonios, a Kern County jury found Williams guilty of first-degree murder with the use of a firearm, attempted murder causing great bodily injury or death, assault with a deadly weapon, first degree burglary, domestic violence, and felon in possession of a gun.
On January 17, 2022, Williams entered Ms. Latashanay Jones’ home located in the 500 block of W. Columbus St in Bakersfield. While in the presence of at least two minors, Williams shot Ms. Jones multiple times in the abdomen and in the back. Ms. Jones’ boyfriend and a neighbor rushed her to the hospital, where she spent the next eleven months enduring countless surgeries and procedures in an attempt to save her life. She eventually died on January 22, 2023 from complications of the gunshot wounds.
Williams and Ms. Jones had a prior relationship that she had ended. In the weeks leading to the murder, Ms. Jones had not answered Williams’ calls and made it clear that she was not interested in his romantic pursuits.
Williams had been previously convicted of assault with a deadly weapon, specifically a knife, resulting in great bodily injury upon a prior girlfriend in 2011.
Assistant DA Joseph Kinzel commented, ‘Williams had a history of violence against women which escalated ultimately into this unprovoked murder. Not only has an innocent life been violently taken, but the children forced to witness this crime will carry the trauma with them for years. Williams’ crimes warrant the multiple life sentences that he will most certainly receive at sentencing.’
Sentencing is scheduled for June 26, 2025 where Williams faces up to 80 years to life in prison.”
Originally published by the Kern County District Attorney’s Office
