Former Miami Hurricanes Football Player Charged with Murder

Former University of Miami football player Avantae Williams, 24, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder following a fatal shooting at McCabe’s Bar in DeLand, Florida. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, May 3, 2025, when a fistfight escalated into gunfire, resulting in the death of 32-year-old Keshod Harris and injuries to a bartender who was shot in both hands while attempting to intervene.

Once a top safety recruit, Williams’ collegiate career included time with both the University of Miami and the University of Maryland. In 2021, he was removed from the Miami Hurricanes team following an assault charge, which was later dropped. He rejoined the team after serving a half-season suspension, then transferred to Maryland, where he played five games in 2023 before entering the transfer portal and remaining unsigned.

The DeLand Police Department continues to investigate the shooting and is seeking information from approximately 40 patrons who were present at the bar during the incident.