Former UM defensive back Avantae Williams arrested in connection with fatal shooting at bar

Former University of Miami defensive back Avantae Williams has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred over the weekend in East Central Florida.

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According to the DeLand Police Department, the shooting occurred early Saturday morning at McCabe’s Bar.

On Monday night, authorities announced that detectives arrested Williams, 24, of DeLand, in connection with the homicide.

He faces a second-degree murder charge.

“At this time, this remains an open and active investigation,” the police department posted on social media. “Detectives still continue to collect evidence and conduct interviews with people concerning the facts and circumstances of this shooting incident. Approximately 40 patrons were inside McCabe’s Bar on the night of the incident and they may have information that will help bring justice in this case.”

According to police, offices from the DeLand Police Department and deputies from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene at 225 N. Amelia Ave. around 1:30 a.m. Saturday.

Witnesses told authorities that a fistfight broke out between several men inside the bar, during which time one man pulled out a gun and began shooting.

“The victim, identified as 32-year-old Keshod Harris of DeLand, was struck multiple times in the chest,” DeLand police said. “He was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.”

Police confirmed that a bartender was also shot in both hands during the incident and was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to police, Williams fled the scene after the shooting.

As of Tuesday, he remained behind bars in Volusia County.

This isn’t Williams’ first brush with the law as he was arrested in 2021 in Miami-Dade County on a charge of battery on a pregnant woman. That charge was later dropped.