A Tuscaloosa man who pleaded guilty to murdering his ex-wife outside Fayette several years ago has been sentenced to two life sentences in prison.

24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Andy Hamlin and his team prosecuted the case and announced the sentence Friday.

Hamlin said the victim, 48-year-old Maronda Parker Williams, was found dead in her home on Alabama Highway 18 East outside Fayette on January 21, 2020.

Investigators determined she had been "brutally" attached by her ex-husband, 41-year-old Travis Terrell Williams.

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Williams had reportedly just been released from prison over a conviction in Tuscaloosa County where he went to the woman's house - she had agreed to loan him $250.

Hamlin said when Travis Williams arrived, Marona Williams only offered him $200 and he became violent over the other $50. She was found dead two days later with multiple injuries, and Hamlin said two blood-covered knives were found in a trash can outside her home.

Police accuse Travis Williams of breaking a window and arranging the scene to look like burglary, and took the victim's phone, wallet and shoes to a another location to dispose of as he returned to Tuscaloosa.

“Travis Williams defendant has a long history of violence, and our community is safer with him behind bars,” Hamlin said. “This case underscores the importance of supporting victims of domestic violence and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.”

Earlier this week, Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of murder, and in an agreement with Hamlin and Circuit Judge Sam Junkin, was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison.

“I’m pleased we were able to obtain justice for Ms. Williams and her loved ones without subjecting them to an emotional and difficult jury trial,” Hamlin said. “My sincere hope is that he spends the rest of his life behind bars.”

The case was investigated by agents of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation, and the Criminal Investigation Division of the District Attorney’s Office.

“The investigators did a great job and built a really strong case against the defendant,” said Hamlin. They should be commended for their hard work and professionalism through this process.”

This information came from a press release Hamlin's office distributed to local media.

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