A Washington, D.C., man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the 2023 shooting death of his former romantic partner inside his apartment while his child was present.
Pernell Sims, 35, entered the guilty plea in federal court in connection with the death of Tyshida Williams. He is scheduled to be sentenced in March.
According to prosecutors, Sims and Williams were in a relationship at the time of the killing on July 30, 2023. The two began arguing earlier that morning after Sims became angry over Williams’ phone.
The argument escalated as they moved to the lobby and parking garage of Sims’ apartment building, where it continued for more than an hour. During the confrontation, prosecutors said Sims threw Williams to the ground and kicked her in the chest.
The pair later returned to Sims’ apartment, where his child was inside. After closing the door, Sims shot Williams in the left side of her head, authorities said.
Williams later died from her injuries.
Investigators initially classified her death as a suicide, but the case was later reclassified as a homicide following further investigation. Sims was arrested in November 2023 and has remained in custody since that time.
Prosecutors said Sims admitted that he acted voluntarily when he shot Williams and acknowledged that he was not acting in self-defense.
Sims now awaits sentencing, which is expected to take place in March.