A 27-year-old man in Florida, O’Neal Robert Matthew Thompson, is facing murder charges after allegedly killing his uncle during an argument about a broken TV.
The incident occurred on July 5, 2025, when Thompson and his uncle, Thaddeus Williamson, got into a heated dispute that escalated into a physical altercation, leading to the fatal shooting.
What Happened During the Argument?
According to a probable cause affidavit, deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a “shots-fired disturbance” at a home on Lakewood Road.
The caller, identified as Thompson’s grandmother, reported that her grandson had shot her son, Thaddeus Williamson, and fled the scene. Authorities quickly located Thompson a few blocks away and took him into custody.
Thompson’s Claim of Self-Defense
When detained, Thompson reportedly claimed that he shot his uncle in self-defense because Williamson was attacking him. Police found a Taurus G2c 9mm firearm on Thompson’s person.
Medics found Williamson at the scene, suffering from several gunshot wounds. He was transported to the hospital but later died from his injuries.
The Incident Explained
In a post-Miranda interview, Thompson told detectives that he had been given a TV by his uncle, but they argued because it wasn’t working. He claimed that during the argument, Williamson became physical and the two started fighting.
After going outside to speak to his mother about the situation, Thompson returned to the house and said Williamson became aggressive again. According to Thompson, his uncle postured as if he were about to fight.
Thompson said he brandished his firearm, trying to stop Williamson’s aggression. When his uncle allegedly asked, “What are you going to do, shoot me?” Thompson stated that he felt his life was in danger and decided to shoot. Thompson couldn’t recall how many times he fired.
Grandmother’s Account
However, Thompson’s grandmother told police a different version. She said that Thompson had arrived at the house already angry and that the argument escalated into a physical altercation.
She separated them, and when she turned around, she heard gunshots. She then saw Thompson holding a firearm, with Williamson lying on the floor.
Legal Proceedings
Thompson has been charged with murder and is being held in Escambia County Jail without bond. His arraignment is scheduled for July 25, 2025.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, and the trial will determine whether Thompson’s actions were truly in self-defense or if there were other contributing factors to the fatal incident.
