Conviction Secured in Ocala Fatal DUI Manslaughter Case

A conviction was recently secured in an Ocala fatal DUI manslaughter case. In the case against 58-year-old Douglas M. Williams Jr., following a 2018 fatal crash, that took the life of 46-year-old Clifford Gerald Green, jurors reached a verdict, finding Williams guilty on all charges. The Honorable Judge Peter M. Brigham sentenced him to 17 years on each count to be served consecutively in the Florida Department of Corrections.

Williams was charged with DUI Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide, DUI with Serious Bodily Injury, DUI with Personal Injury, and DUI with Property Damage.

"The defendant's decision to get behind the wheel while under the influence took a life and in so doing, destroyed a family. Driving under the influence is one of the most senseless and selfish crimes because it can be so easily avoided," said State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit Bill Gladson.

Back on December 15, 2018, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) responded to a fatal vehicle crash in the area of US 441 and the intersection of SE 80th Street in Ocala. Upon arrival, troopers noticed a red pickup truck flipped on its side, with heavy front-end damage.

Officials were able to determine Williams was driving the pickup truck and ran a red light at the intersection, hitting the victim's vehicle. The victim, Clifford, was located inside his vehicle, behind the wheel, with his wife, the second victim, on the passenger side. First responders pronounced him deceased on scene, while the second victim was transported to the hospital with extensive trauma.

At that time, the Florida Highway Patrol began conducting a traffic homicide investigation. Inside the truck Williams was driving, officials located numerous alcoholic beverage cans – some opened. During their investigation, it was revealed that Williams' blood alcohol level was .157, exceeding the legal limit in the State of Florida.