A Cuyahoga County grand jury has indicted a man accused of fatally shooting his fiancée last month in Warrensville Heights. He was initially released after he claimed self-defense. He turned himself in to police on Friday, police confirmed.
The defendant, Tirrell Edwards, 41, is charged with one count of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault, and one count of domestic violence in connection with the death of Amanda Williams, 46.
Edwards turned himself in to authorities on Friday, one day after he was indicted by a grand jury and an arrest warrant was issued. At that time, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office said attempts to locate and apprehend Edwards were unsuccessful, and they urged him to turn himself in.
According to authorities, Edwards called Warrensville Heights Police on Oct. 10 just before midnight and told them he had just killed his fiancée. When officers responded to the couple's home, they found Williams inside. She had been shot multiple times. EMS transported her to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Edwards was taken into custody but claimed self-defense and was released, with authorities stating they had insufficient evidence at the time to charge him.
“A thorough investigation and review of this case led us to the unmistakable conclusion that the death of Amanda Williams was an intentional homicide without justification,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley. “Today, a grand jury composed of citizens from our county reached the same conclusion and voted to indict Tirrell Edwards. My thoughts and prayers remain with Amanda Williams’s family and friends. I urge Tirrell Edwards to turn himself into law enforcement.”
Williams' family attorney, Ian Friedman provided the following statement:
“On behalf of Amanda’s family, I, along with Dr. R.A. Vernon of The Word Church and members of Amanda’s Sorority, are relieved that the grand jury determined that an indictment for murder was warranted. Amanda’s family and countless supporters will be present at every stage of the Court process to see that justice is secured. We are grateful to Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley, Warrensville Heights Police Chief Wesley Haynes, and their respective teams for their swift and caring work."
Vernon released a statement on Instagram that read in part: "There is no happy ending to this story in that Amanda is gone way to soon, but for a grand jury of her peers to honor her with an indictment today is a major step toward justice and closure for her beloved family."
