Florida sheriff’s deputy killed on Christmas Eve responding to domestic violence call

Cpl. Ray Hamilton, a five-year veteran of the department, was part of a Special Response Team who showed up at the townhouse in the community of Wright, in Okaloosa County, following an attempt by deputies to serve Timothy Price-Williams a warrant for a domestic violence battery charge.

The victim reported that Price-Williams slapped her in the face and shoved her during an argument on Friday. She claims that he then took away her phone so she couldn't call authorities for help.

Deputies initially reported to the home at 9 a.m. to serve the warrant but were met with a non-compliant Price-Williams, who refused to leave the premises, leading to the Special Response Team being brought in to attempt to negotiate a peaceful surrender.

The team, including Cpl. Hamilton arrived on the scene and set up a perimeter around the back of the property behind a fence.

Once they were set up at around 12:40 p.m., Price-Williams opened fire on the officers, ultimately striking Hamilton.

After continuing to refuse to exit, the suspect then emerged " in a manner that caused another deputy to fire on him," shooting him in his right arm.

Hamilton was transported to Fort Walton Beach - Destin Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after 3 p.m.

Price-Williams was apprehended and, after receiving medical attention for his arm injury, taken to jail. He has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office posted a statement to its Facebook page, describing him as "a ray of sunshine in the OCSO, dedicated to protecting others."

"We appreciate the endless stream of words of support that have come in for his family and his co-workers as we face this heartbreaking loss of a profoundly loved and respected friend, public servant, and hero," County Sheriff Eric Aden said in the statement.

His body is due to be returned to Okaloosa County on Monday afternoon via an official OCSO escort. Funeral arrangements have yet to be posted by the department.

Hamilton is the 61st officer killed by gunfire in 2022.