Release of Thrill Kill Perpetrator Sparks: One of the individuals involved in a chilling “thrill kill” murder in San Jose has been granted early release and returned to Santa Clara County. Jae Williams, now 29, was released on November 20, according to court records.
Williams and his 16-year-old companion Randy Thompson plotted and executed the 2009 “thrill kill.” of 15-year-old Michael Russell for Satanism. Williams, 15, later claimed that Satanism justified murder.
The gruesome incident unfolded when the two perpetrators befriended Russell with the sole intention of taking his life. On November 10, 2009, at Russell’s home, Williams and Thompson attacked him with a knife in the backyard, taking turns stabbing the Santa Teresa High School student.
During the investigation, Williams told the police that his religious beliefs allowed him to commit the murder. The victim’s family attorney, Scotty J. Storey, emphasized that Williams and Thompson had cultivated a deceptive friendship with Russell to achieve their goal of committing murder.
The family of the victim, still traumatized by the heinous act, expressed disappointment in the legislative system that led to Williams’ release. Storey stated that there is no indication of Williams showing remorse for the brutal murder.
Both Williams and Thompson were initially charged and convicted as adults, receiving a sentence of 26 years to life in prison. However, a change in California law, specifically Senate Bill 1391 passed in 2018, prohibited individuals under the age of 16 from being charged as adults. Consequently, Williams’ case was transferred to juvenile court.
While Thompson remains incarcerated in San Quentin State Prison, serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole, Williams was granted early release following a discharge hearing on November 20. The court imposed several probation conditions on Williams, including restrictions on changing his residence, associating with Thompson, and intentional contact with the victim’s family. Additionally, he must participate in re-entry services, adhere to curfew hours, attend school or maintain employment, abstain from alcohol and drugs, and undergo potential searches by law enforcement.
The victim’s family, fearing for their safety and expressing dissatisfaction with the release, is closely watching Williams’ probation period. Any violation of the conditions could result in his return to jail for up to six months.
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Who was convicted in San Jose Thrill Kill released touching off polarized reactions?
Jae Williams, one of the two men who committed a “thrill kill” murder in San Jose, has been released from prison and returned to Santa Clara County. Williams, who was inspired by Satanism, was granted early release on November 20th, according to court records.