Amanda Williams, a 46-year-old hairstylist and salon owner from Warrensville Heights, Ohio, was fatally shot inside the home she shared with her fiancé on the night of October 9–10, 2023.

Williams was shot multiple times (reports indicate six gunshots causing eight wounds) in her bedroom. Her fiancé, Tirrell (also spelled Tyrell) Edwards, then 41, called 911 and claimed he acted in self-defense, saying Williams had attacked him with a knife during an argument. Edwards recorded parts of the incident on his cellphone.

Investigators and prosecutors later challenged the self-defense claim. Evidence presented at trial showed that one of the wounds would have immediately paralyzed Williams from the neck down, making it impossible for her to continue holding or wielding a knife. The knife found near her body reportedly had no blood on it consistent with the claimed attack. Edwards did not render aid and prevented Williams’ daughter from helping her mother after the shots were fired.

The argument that night stemmed from a day-long dispute, including Williams not responding to Edwards’ text messages earlier that day and her decision to end the relationship.

Edwards was charged with murder and related offenses. In March 2024, a jury found him guilty of two counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault, and one count of domestic violence. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 24 years. His conviction and sentence were later upheld on appeal.

Williams’ family and community members had gathered to demand accountability in the weeks after the shooting. At sentencing, family members expressed grief and asked how Edwards could have taken her life.

The case drew local attention in the Cleveland area due to the self-defense claim, the cellphone recording, and the circumstances surrounding the knife.

Sources

• Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office sentencing announcement
• Cleveland.com, News 5 Cleveland, Fox 8,