Kimberley Leonie Mills, 38, pleaded guilty and received a life sentence for the 2025 murder of her 10-year-old son, Xavier Williams. Xavier was taken to hospital on March 21, 2025, in cardiac arrest and died after nearly a month on life support; authorities reported extensive bruising and burn marks. Prosecutors say the death was the result of systematic abuse allegedly committed by Mills and her former boyfriend, Andre Walker, who faces trial later this year. Mills agreed to testify against Walker as part of her plea deal.
Florida Mother Sentenced to Life for 10-Year-Old Son’s Murder After 'Systematic' Abuse; Will Testify Against Former Boyfriend
Tavares Police DepartmentXavier Williams; Kimberley Leonie Mills' mugshot
A Lake County woman has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of her 10-year-old son, whom prosecutors say suffered prolonged and severe abuse.
Kimberley Leonie Mills, 38, was sentenced on Jan. 14 after accepting a plea agreement in the death of her son, Xavier Williams, the Office of State Attorney Bill Gladson said. As part of the deal Mills agreed to testify against her former boyfriend and co-defendant, 37-year-old Andre Dwayne Walker, who remains scheduled to stand trial later this year.
Office of State Attorney Bill GladsonKimberley Leonie Mills in court
What Prosecutors Say
Both Mills and Walker were indicted in April 2025 on charges including first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse and have been held without bond since. Xavier collapsed at home on March 21, 2025, and was taken to hospital in cardiac arrest; he remained on life support for nearly a month before he died, according to Gladson's office.
Authorities described Xavier's condition on arrival as severe: covered in bruises and burn marks. Investigators allege the injuries were the result of systematic abuse committed by Mills and Walker at Mills' Tavares residence.
Tavares Police DepartmentXavier Williams
“With profound sorrow, the Tavares Police Department announces the tragic passing of a 10-year-old boy, a victim of unimaginable abuse and neglect at the hands of those who were meant to care for him.” — Tavares Police Department
Evidence and Allegations
Police reported finding items in the home that they believe were used to restrain and injure the child, including duct tape, a six-foot ladder and a 10-pound weight. Local reporting cited allegations that weights were dropped on the boy’s exposed stomach and described both physical and psychological torment reported by the child's younger brother.
Community Response and Next Steps
Tavares Police Chief Sarah Coursey called the case “one of the most heartbreaking crimes our community has ever faced.” Chief Coursey and prosecutors said Mills’ life sentence and her cooperation are intended to help ensure Walker is held accountable if convicted at trial.
Gladson's office said Xavier’s father and extended family expressed support for the plea agreement and for the resolution of Mills’ admitted involvement in the case. Walker remains in custody pending trial.
If you suspect child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. Calls are toll-free, confidential and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
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