William Devonshire
Florida Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Sarasota, Florida
TIME PERIOD
2022
VICTIMS
2 confirmed
The case involves the murders of two homeless women in Sarasota, Florida, attributed to William Jeffrey Devonshire, who was a habitual criminal with a prior murder conviction in Delaware. The first victim, Kelliann Ripley, was discovered on February 25, 2022, with her death ruled a homicide due to blunt force trauma and manual strangulation. Devonshire was apprehended on March 11, 2022, but died on June 5, 2022, from medical complications while awaiting trial. Posthumous DNA evidence linked him to both murders, solidifying his involvement in these crimes. Investigators are continuing to examine any additional unsolved cases that may be connected to Devonshire's criminal history.
Investigators believe that William Devonshire's murder of Albert C. Harris Sr. was likely committed by someone who knew him, as the crime shocked the local community. Additionally, there is speculation that Devonshire may have been involved in more crimes than those for which he was convicted, given his extensive criminal history and the posthumous DNA links to the murders of two homeless women in Florida. Some theorists suggest that his pattern of violence and criminal behavior indicates a potential for a broader series of unsolved cases.
The Dark Path of William Devonshire
Early Life and First Murder
William Jeffrey Devonshire was born on September 23, 1969, in Wilmington, Delaware. Details about his early years remain elusive, but what is known paints a troubling picture. By the tender age of 14, Devonshire had already embarked on a criminal career. His rap sheet grew long, including offenses like assault, aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, battery, burglary, and trespassing. His criminal activities spanned across several states, including Delaware, Maryland, Indiana, Ohio, and New Jersey.
By 2003, Devonshire had settled in Magnolia, Delaware. His residence was ominously close to that of Albert C. Harris Sr., a 51-year-old man living on Irish Hill Road. On April 6, 2003, the quiet of the neighborhood was shattered when Harris was discovered bludgeoned to death in his mobile home. The community speculated that the killer was someone Harris knew.
Devonshire was soon imprisoned on unrelated charges at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution. However, DNA evidence collected from his home tied him to Harris's murder. Consequently, he was charged with first-degree murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony.
Release and New Murders
Despite his conviction for first-degree murder, Devonshire's charge was later reduced to second-degree murder. He served his time and was released on parole in 2013. Upon his release, he relocated to Florida, where he continued his life of crime. By the time of his next arrest, Devonshire was homeless, often seen lingering around various streets in Sarasota.
On February 25, 2022, the body of 48-year-old Kelliann Ripley was discovered near the Centennial Park boat ramp, close to a wooded area along the northern Tamiami Trail. Her death was ruled as resulting from blunt force trauma and manual strangulation. Initially, the authorities were reticent to disclose details about Ripley's case, including her surname, until they received consent from her family.
Just a few weeks later, on March 10, 2022, tragedy struck again. The body of 59-year-old Vicky Levitch was found in the vicinity of the northern Tamiami Trail near Whitaker Bayou. Similar to Ripley, Levitch had been brutally beaten and strangled. The similarities between the two cases led the police to suspect that both murders were the work of a single perpetrator. Levitch's identity was withheld pending the arrest of a suspect.
Arrest, Detention, and Death
On March 11, 2022, just a day after Levitch's murder, Devonshire was apprehended for trespassing and drug possession. His arrest led to his detention in the county jail. As a convicted offender, he was required to provide a DNA sample, which linked him directly to Ripley's murder. On March 28, the Sarasota Police Department announced that Devonshire had been charged with Ripley's murder, and they identified him as a "strong suspect" in Levitch's killing as well.
While awaiting further charges, Devonshire neglected to take his epilepsy medication. This lapse resulted in a severe seizure on May 17, causing him to hit his head and suffer an intracerebral hemorrhage. He was hospitalized, and though initial surgery was successful, he was moved to the medical wing of the Sarasota County Jail. Tragically, Devonshire succumbed to his injuries on June 5, 2022, leading to the termination of all legal proceedings against him.
In the aftermath of his death, law enforcement continued their investigation to confirm his involvement in both murders. By October 2022, DNA testing conclusively linked Devonshire to both Ripley and Levitch, confirming his role as their killer.
Sources
- Rachel Brown Hackeny, "Homeless man connected by DNA to death of Sarasota women early this year dies at county jail", The Sarasota News-Leader.
- Murali Balaji and Victor Greto, "FOUND DEAD: State police need help solving the death Friday of a Magnolia man", The News Journal.
- Terri Sanginiti, "Police follow leads in Magnolia killing", The News Journal.
- Sean O'Sullivan, "Magnolia man charged in slaying of neighbor".
- Anne Snabes, "Sarasota man charged with murder in woman's death near Centennial Park, 'strongly suspected' in 2nd homicide case, police say", Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
- Andrew Krietz, "Convicted murderer accused of killing 2 women in Sarasota dies in jail", WTSP.
- Eric Garwood, "DNA links dead suspect to second Sarasota homicide victim, police say", YourObserver.com.
For further details, visit Wikipedia.
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First Murder Committed
Albert C. Harris Sr. found bludgeoned to death in his home.
Devonshire Charged
William Devonshire charged with first-degree murder in Harris' death.
Released on Parole
Devonshire's murder charge reduced to second-degree; released from prison.
Kelliann Ripley Found
Body of Kelliann Ripley discovered; cause of death ruled as blunt force trauma and strangulation.
Vicky Levitch Found
Body of Vicky Levitch discovered; similar injuries to Ripley indicate possible serial killings.
Devonshire Arrested
Devonshire arrested for trespassing and drug possession; DNA sample taken.
Charged with Murder
Devonshire officially charged with Kelliann Ripley's murder; suspected in Levitch's case.
Hospitalized
Devonshire hospitalized after refusing medication; suffers seizure and head injury.
Devonshire Dies
William Devonshire dies from medical complications while in custody.
DNA Linked
Devonshire's DNA definitively linked to both Ripley and Levitch's murders posthumously.
The case involves the murders of two homeless women in Sarasota, Florida, attributed to William Jeffrey Devonshire, who was a habitual criminal with a prior murder conviction in Delaware. The first victim, Kelliann Ripley, was discovered on February 25, 2022, with her death ruled a homicide due to blunt force trauma and manual strangulation. Devonshire was apprehended on March 11, 2022, but died on June 5, 2022, from medical complications while awaiting trial. Posthumous DNA evidence linked him to both murders, solidifying his involvement in these crimes. Investigators are continuing to examine any additional unsolved cases that may be connected to Devonshire's criminal history.
Investigators believe that William Devonshire's murder of Albert C. Harris Sr. was likely committed by someone who knew him, as the crime shocked the local community. Additionally, there is speculation that Devonshire may have been involved in more crimes than those for which he was convicted, given his extensive criminal history and the posthumous DNA links to the murders of two homeless women in Florida. Some theorists suggest that his pattern of violence and criminal behavior indicates a potential for a broader series of unsolved cases.
The Dark Path of William Devonshire
Early Life and First Murder
William Jeffrey Devonshire was born on September 23, 1969, in Wilmington, Delaware. Details about his early years remain elusive, but what is known paints a troubling picture. By the tender age of 14, Devonshire had already embarked on a criminal career. His rap sheet grew long, including offenses like assault, aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, battery, burglary, and trespassing. His criminal activities spanned across several states, including Delaware, Maryland, Indiana, Ohio, and New Jersey.
By 2003, Devonshire had settled in Magnolia, Delaware. His residence was ominously close to that of Albert C. Harris Sr., a 51-year-old man living on Irish Hill Road. On April 6, 2003, the quiet of the neighborhood was shattered when Harris was discovered bludgeoned to death in his mobile home. The community speculated that the killer was someone Harris knew.
Devonshire was soon imprisoned on unrelated charges at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution. However, DNA evidence collected from his home tied him to Harris's murder. Consequently, he was charged with first-degree murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony.
Release and New Murders
Despite his conviction for first-degree murder, Devonshire's charge was later reduced to second-degree murder. He served his time and was released on parole in 2013. Upon his release, he relocated to Florida, where he continued his life of crime. By the time of his next arrest, Devonshire was homeless, often seen lingering around various streets in Sarasota.
On February 25, 2022, the body of 48-year-old Kelliann Ripley was discovered near the Centennial Park boat ramp, close to a wooded area along the northern Tamiami Trail. Her death was ruled as resulting from blunt force trauma and manual strangulation. Initially, the authorities were reticent to disclose details about Ripley's case, including her surname, until they received consent from her family.
Just a few weeks later, on March 10, 2022, tragedy struck again. The body of 59-year-old Vicky Levitch was found in the vicinity of the northern Tamiami Trail near Whitaker Bayou. Similar to Ripley, Levitch had been brutally beaten and strangled. The similarities between the two cases led the police to suspect that both murders were the work of a single perpetrator. Levitch's identity was withheld pending the arrest of a suspect.
Arrest, Detention, and Death
On March 11, 2022, just a day after Levitch's murder, Devonshire was apprehended for trespassing and drug possession. His arrest led to his detention in the county jail. As a convicted offender, he was required to provide a DNA sample, which linked him directly to Ripley's murder. On March 28, the Sarasota Police Department announced that Devonshire had been charged with Ripley's murder, and they identified him as a "strong suspect" in Levitch's killing as well.
While awaiting further charges, Devonshire neglected to take his epilepsy medication. This lapse resulted in a severe seizure on May 17, causing him to hit his head and suffer an intracerebral hemorrhage. He was hospitalized, and though initial surgery was successful, he was moved to the medical wing of the Sarasota County Jail. Tragically, Devonshire succumbed to his injuries on June 5, 2022, leading to the termination of all legal proceedings against him.
In the aftermath of his death, law enforcement continued their investigation to confirm his involvement in both murders. By October 2022, DNA testing conclusively linked Devonshire to both Ripley and Levitch, confirming his role as their killer.
Sources
- Rachel Brown Hackeny, "Homeless man connected by DNA to death of Sarasota women early this year dies at county jail", The Sarasota News-Leader.
- Murali Balaji and Victor Greto, "FOUND DEAD: State police need help solving the death Friday of a Magnolia man", The News Journal.
- Terri Sanginiti, "Police follow leads in Magnolia killing", The News Journal.
- Sean O'Sullivan, "Magnolia man charged in slaying of neighbor".
- Anne Snabes, "Sarasota man charged with murder in woman's death near Centennial Park, 'strongly suspected' in 2nd homicide case, police say", Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
- Andrew Krietz, "Convicted murderer accused of killing 2 women in Sarasota dies in jail", WTSP.
- Eric Garwood, "DNA links dead suspect to second Sarasota homicide victim, police say", YourObserver.com.
For further details, visit Wikipedia.
No Recent News
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No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
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First Murder Committed
Albert C. Harris Sr. found bludgeoned to death in his home.
Devonshire Charged
William Devonshire charged with first-degree murder in Harris' death.
Released on Parole
Devonshire's murder charge reduced to second-degree; released from prison.
Kelliann Ripley Found
Body of Kelliann Ripley discovered; cause of death ruled as blunt force trauma and strangulation.
Vicky Levitch Found
Body of Vicky Levitch discovered; similar injuries to Ripley indicate possible serial killings.
Devonshire Arrested
Devonshire arrested for trespassing and drug possession; DNA sample taken.
Charged with Murder
Devonshire officially charged with Kelliann Ripley's murder; suspected in Levitch's case.
Hospitalized
Devonshire hospitalized after refusing medication; suffers seizure and head injury.
Devonshire Dies
William Devonshire dies from medical complications while in custody.
DNA Linked
Devonshire's DNA definitively linked to both Ripley and Levitch's murders posthumously.