Gov. Mike DeWine commuted the sentence of Michele Williams, imprisoned for the 1993 murder of her husband in Columbus. She was released after serving 31 years, prompting strong reaction from the victim’s family.
Ohio Gov Mike DeWine Commutes Michele Williams’ Sentence in 1993 Columbus Murder Case
A woman imprisoned for the 1993 fatal shooting of her husband in Columbus has been released after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine commuted her sentence.
Fifty-five-year-old Michele Williams was granted commutation on Tuesday, a form of clemency that reduces a sentence but does not erase a conviction. She was released on parole two days later, according to a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections.
Williams began serving a 15-years-to-life sentence in 1994 after pleading guilty to murder in the death of her husband, Greg Williams. She ultimately served 31 years in prison. Before the commutation, her next parole hearing had been scheduled for October.
Family Reacts to Clemency Decision
Jessica Rudd, the niece of Greg Williams, said the family was stunned by the governor’s decision.
“We are shocked,” Rudd said, adding that the family now fears encountering Michele Williams in public. She described the release as painful, saying it forces loved ones to relive the tragedy.
Records show Michele Williams had been denied parole multiple times since becoming eligible in 2007. In past reviews, the parole board cited concerns about remorse, victim empathy, and potential risk to public safety. Some evaluations also referenced misconduct during her incarceration, though others noted positive behavior.
A spokesperson for DeWine’s office emphasized that commutation is not a pardon and does not forgive the crime. Those granted commutation must still follow parole conditions. The governor considers several factors in clemency cases, including risk to the public, time served, age, behavior while incarcerated, and support systems upon release.
Background on the 1993 Killing
On Sept. 30, 1993, Columbus police responded to a shooting at a home on Abbeyshire Court. Greg Williams, 30, was found with multiple gunshot wounds and later died at a hospital.
At the time, Michele Williams told investigators that a man in a maintenance uniform entered the home and shot her husband while he was asleep. However, police later discovered the handgun used in the shooting inside a duffel bag in the home. Authorities said shell casings found in Michele Williams’ purse matched the weapon, which records showed she had purchased weeks earlier.
Investigators also found a letter in her purse addressed to a man in Denver with whom she had been romantically involved. Police determined the couple had moved to Columbus just days before the shooting and that the killing occurred shortly before Greg Williams’ life insurance policy was set to expire.
Williams was indicted on aggravated murder charges in October 1993. She later pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of murder in May 1994 and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
The case drew national attention and was later featured on the Oxygen true crime series Snapped.
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