Pernell Sims, a 35-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., has pleaded guilty to the second degree murder while armed of his former romantic partner, Tyshida Williams. The plea was entered before Superior Court Associate Judge Todd Edelman on January 9, 2026, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The incident occurred on July 30, 2023. Prosecutors stated that Sims and Williams were in a relationship at the time. After returning to Sims’ apartment following 7:00 a.m., an argument began over Williams’ phone. The dispute continued for more than an hour as they moved between the lobby and parking garage of the building. In the garage, Sims physically assaulted Williams by throwing her to the ground and kicking her in the chest.
Afterwards, both returned upstairs where Sims' child was present. Sims and Williams went into a bedroom and closed the door. According to court documents, "Sims then shot Williams in the left side of her head." She died later that morning from her injuries.
During his plea, Sims admitted he acted voluntarily and was not acting in self-defense when he shot Williams.
Sims was arrested in November 2023 and has remained in custody since then. Judge Edelman ordered that he continue to be held without bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for March 20, 2026.
Interim Chief Jeffrey Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department joined U.S. Attorney Pirro in announcing developments in this case.
The investigation is being conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emma McArthur and Stephanie Dinan.
