Ex-Miami football player arrested on murder charge

A former University of Miami football player was arrested on Monday in connection with a fatal shooting that took place over the weekend in Florida.

A 32-year-old man named Keshod Harris was shot multiple times early Saturday morning at an establishment called McCabe’s Bar in DeLand, Fla., according to authorities. The DeLand Police Department said Harris was shot six times in the chest and transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Investigators later identified 24-year-old Avantae Williams, a former Miami and Maryland football player, as a suspect in the shooting. Williams was arrested on Monday and charged with second-degree murder. He was still being held in the Volusia County Jail as of Tuesday.

At least one other person was also injured in the shooting. Police say an employee at a liquor store connected to the bar was shot in both hands while trying to break up the altercation. The person suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Roughly 40 people were at McCabe’s at the time of the shooting. The motive in the shooting has not yet been revealed, as authorities say the investigation remains active. Witnesses said a fight broke out and quickly escalated into gunfire, which sent patrons fleeing for safety.

Williams, a 4-star recruit, was rated by Rivals as one of the top defensive backs in the country when he came out of high school in 2020. He was the top-rated safety in the state of Florida and No. 5-ranked player overall.

Williams played at Miami for two seasons before transferring to Maryland in 2023. He finished his collegiate career with 24 total tackles and an interception in 22 games.

The arrest was not the first for Williams, as he was also charged with multiple counts of aggravated battery in 2021 after he allegedly assaulted a pregnant woman.