Florida Woman Allegedly Cackled About Stolen Car After Double Murder, Trial Hears

A Florida woman accused of fatally stabbing an elderly couple and stealing their car allegedly cackled with delight when asked about her new wheels, her murder trial has heard. Vickie Williams, 50, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and grand theft of a motor vehicle in connection with the deaths of Darryl, 83, and Sharon Getman, 80, at their Mount Dora home on December 31, 2022.

Prosecutors claim Williams armed herself with a kitchen knife and repeatedly stabbed the couple. Her defense team contends that she was suffering from psychosis at the time of the killings and believed the Getmans posed a threat to her children.

The Incident

Sharon Getman was found dead in a pool of blood in their home within the Waterman Village retirement community. Her husband, Darryl Getman, was found nearby with a large knife in his abdomen and appeared to have sustained defensive wounds, according to a probable cause affidavit. The couple had been married for over 50 years.

Police responded to the property after a concerned neighbor noticed the garage door was open. Security officers discovered the bodies inside. Several paintings and jewelry were reported missing from the home. Williams' DNA was found on knives recovered from the scene, as well as on a beer bottle and a partially eaten brownie, a Florida Department of Law Enforcement lab analyst testified.

The couple's daughter, Brittany Getman, testified in court and identified jewelry found on Williams when she was arrested in Georgia as belonging to her mother, including Sharon Getman's wedding ring.

Williams' Account and Defense

Prosecutors allege that Williams laundered her clothes in the Getmans' home before fleeing to Savannah, Georgia, in the couple's green Kia Soul. Williams, who denies knowing the vehicle was stolen, told police she was homeless and claimed a friend, Fuller Blue Jr., had lent her the car to sleep in.

Blue testified that Williams arrived at his Savannah apartment after the slayings and laughed, stating, "She said everything was ok. She bought her a new car."

Williams pleaded not guilty to all charges. Her defense is seeking a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity, arguing that her mind was detached due to psychosis. Her public defender stated that Williams believed the Getmans were going to harm her children and that she had to stop them.

Witness Testimony

Testimony revealed that Williams was seen multiple times in the retirement community on December 30 and 31, 2022. She allegedly asked another resident for a shower, prompting that resident to press a panic button.

A mental health counselor, Shellie FanFan Dinall, testified that Williams was receiving assistance from a charity for human trafficking survivors. Dinall stated that Williams appeared to be responding to internal stimuli, or hearing voices.

Prosecutors acknowledge Williams' mental health struggles but maintain she was aware of her actions and knew they were wrong.

The trial is scheduled to resume Tuesday at the Lake County courthouse. If convicted, Williams could face the death penalty.