Danitto Simpson Convicted of First Degree Murder

Daytona Beach resident Danitto Simpson was convicted of first degree murder on Thursday. The 27-year-old was on trial for the killing of 24-year-old Donnell Williams in September 2023. After his conviction. Simpson was sentenced to mandatory life in prison by Circuit Judge Karen Foxman, who presided over the case. The trial spanned four days before the Volusia County jury returned a guilty verdict. Assistant State Attorneys Mike Willard and Philip Dunlop prosecuted the case. The incident in question happened on September 10th, 2023. An argument was said to have broken out between Simpson and Williams in an apartment complex on Jean Street in Daytona Beach. The two were reportedly at odds over a woman who was the mother of the victim’s children. The fight turned physical, and ended when Simpson reportedly brandished. a firearm and shot Williams in his torso. As Williams tried to run away, Simpson then was said to have shot him again. Williams was hospitalized, where he succumbed to his wounds. Witnesses to the shooting were later able to identify Simpson, leading to his arrest. The Daytona Beach Police Department conducted the criminal investigation, ultimatley leading to Simpson being charged with first degree murder and aggravated battery on a pregnant person. “This case marks the second life sentence this week for violent crimes committed in the 7th Circuit,” said State Attorney R.J. Larizza. “Ridding our communities of dangeorus criminals is a mission we pursue every day.”