At a Glance
- Kimberley Leonie Mills, 38, received a life sentence for murdering her 10-year-old son Xavier Williams after admitting to systematic abuse
- She will testify against co-defendant boyfriend Andre Dwayne Walker, 37, whose trial is scheduled later this year
- The boy died March 21, 2025, after nearly a month on life support following cardiac arrest with extensive bruises and burns
- Why it matters: The plea ensures lifetime imprisonment for Mills and paves the way for Walker’s prosecution, delivering a measure of justice the family supports.
A Florida mother will spend the rest of her life in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of her 10-year-old son, whose death authorities say came after weeks of torture in their Tavares home.
Life Sentence and Plea Deal
Kimberley Leonie Mills accepted a plea agreement in a Lake County courtroom on January 14, according to the office of State Attorney Bill Gladson. Under the deal, she will testify against her boyfriend and co-defendant Andre Dwayne Walker when he stands trial later this year.
Both have been held without bond since their April 2025 indictment on first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse charges.
Systematic Abuse Details
Xavier Williams died March 21, 2025, after spending nearly a month on life support. He had been hospitalized in cardiac arrest, his body covered in bruises and burn marks.
Police previously said the child had been “beaten and tortured.” Investigators recovered items allegedly used to restrain and harm him:
- Duct tape
- A six-foot ladder
- A 10-pound weight
Authorities believe the weight was dropped on the boy’s exposed stomach, according to reporting by local NBC affiliate WFLA.
Community Reaction
Tavares Police Chief Sarah Coursey called the case “one of the most heartbreaking crimes our community has ever faced.”
In announcing the boy’s death last year, the department stated:
“With profound sorrow, the Tavares Police Department announces the tragic passing of a 10-year-old boy, a victim of unimaginable abuse and neglect at the hands of those who were meant to care for him. This innocent child’s life was marked by unspeakable suffering, and his loss has deeply shaken our community and everyone involved in this case.”
Family Support
Williams’ father and extended relatives expressed support for the plea agreement and the resolution of Mills’ case, according to the state attorney’s office.
Coursey noted that while no outcome can truly bring justice, the agreement ensures Mills will remain imprisoned for life and that her cooperation will help hold Walker accountable.
Next Steps
Walker, 37, is scheduled to face trial later this year. Mills’ testimony against him forms a key part of the prosecution’s case moving forward.
Key Takeaways
- Mills’ guilty plea and life sentence close one chapter in a case that horrified investigators and the public
- Her required testimony against Walker sets the stage for a second trial
- The boy’s family endorsed the plea, prioritizing lifetime incarceration and continued prosecution of the second defendant
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit www.childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
