Charles Andrew Williams
Who knew a 15-year-old boy could be a savage murderer? But Charles Andrew Williams wasn't a normal teenager; he was a psychopath. Now 34, Charles killed two students and wounded thirteen while shooting at Santana High School in 2001.
Williams is currently imprisoned at Valley State Prison in California. He is currently serving 25 years to life in prison and will be eligible for parole in March 2025. What caused him to act such a disgraceful activity?
Divorce, Bully, and Sexual Abuse
Charles was born on February 8, 1986, in Maryland, the United States. He was born to parents, Jeff (father) and Linda Williams (mother). Known as Andy by his family members, Charles has one half-brother, Michael. His mother worked as a military woman.
Source: Murderpedia
After his parents' divorce in 1990, Williams began living with his father with almost no contact with his mother. Williams enrolled at Santana High School in California where he was constantly bullied by his colleagues.
Williams' father, Jeff once stated that an older boy bought young men alcohol and drugs in exchange for sexual favors. However, Charles didn't mention the incident until he was arrested.
Planning of a Brutal Killing
Like most teenagers, Williams became a victim of bullying. Hence, he went into depression and attempted to speak with a school counselor as well. However, by early 2001, Williams believed that only he could resolve his problems. But was anyone aware of his plans?
Source: WSJ
Yes, Williams spoke about his plans two times but nobody reported the threats to the school administration. His plan was to carry out a "Columbine," a massacre that occurred in April 1999 at Columbine High School. Further, the friends he told about his activities were asked to leave the school.
Shooting
The date was March 5, 2001, and the time was around 9:20 a.m. Williams had already taken his father's Arminius HW-7 .22-caliber revolver. Then a 15-year-old, Charles entered a boys' bathroom of his school with his father's loaded revolver.
After killing a freshman in the bathroom, he left and began firing randomly at other students killing another one. The scene soon turned chaotic and a few minutes later the school was on lockdown.
Source: Associated Press
A student-teacher and a Campus Security Supervisor walked into the bathroom to investigate. As soon as they entered the bathroom, Williams shot both of them but they survived the bullets. He had killed two students and injured thirteen other individuals.
Two off-duty police officers were informed about the shooting. One of them approached the bathroom and soon more officers arrived at the scene. They discovered Charles kneeling on the floor with the revolver in his hands.
Imprisonment
After his arrest, Williams told investigators that he was tired of being bullied. Similarly, he also said that he did it because he was dared by his friends. On June 20, 2002, Williams pleaded guilty, and on August 15, 2002, a judge sentenced him 50 years to life in prison.
Watch Williams seeking early release from prison!
Williams is currently imprisoned at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, California. As per sources, Williams asked to commute his sentence. However, family members of some surviving victims protested. Williams would have to prove he is rehabilitated and could be safely released from prison.