Blake Williams, a 19-year-old from Starke, Florida, tragically lost his life on July 10, 2020. He was found shot to death on Old Lawtey Road in Starke. The investigation into his death revealed that Marcus Whitfield was responsible for the shooting. Evidence collected at the scene tied Whitfield to the crime, leading to his arrest three days after the murder. Whitfield was subsequently charged with second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
On February 24, 2022, he was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years.
The case took a darker turn when it was discovered that Whitfield had been hired by Demetrius Wilson to kill Williams. Wilson, who was already incarcerated in the Bradford County Jail for unrelated charges, was found guilty of manslaughter and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder for his involvement in the murder-for-hire plot. The Starke Police Department, working closely with the State Attorney’s Office, was able to gather sufficient evidence to convict both Whitfield and Wilson. Wilson was sentenced to 45 years in prison for his role in the crime.
The investigation also uncovered that Wilson had attempted to orchestrate the murder of a witness scheduled to testify against him. He conspired with two family members, Valerie and N’Crisha McCutchen, to hire a hitman. The police successfully intercepted the McCutchens as they attempted to travel to Orlando to make the payment. Warrants were obtained for all three individuals on charges of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Wilson and the McCutchens were arrested and held on substantial bonds.
The tragic death of Blake Williams and the subsequent legal proceedings highlight the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement in solving such cases. The collaborative efforts of the Starke Police Department and the State Attorney’s Office were crucial in bringing justice to Blake Williams and his family. The case serves as a somber reminder of the senseless violence that can arise from criminal conspiracies and the importance of diligent investigative work in achieving justice.
