A mother will spend the rest of her life behind bars after her 10-year-old son died as a direct result of the systematic abuse she inflicted upon him.
Kimberley Leonie Mills, 38, was found guilty of the murder of her son, Xavier Williams, at a Florida court last week and sentenced to life imprisonment.
As part of her plea, she will testify against her co-defendant and then-lover, 37-year-old Andre Dwayne Walker, when he goes on trial later this year.
Highlights
- Kimberley Leonie Mills was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of her 10-year-old son, Xavier Williams, due to systematic abuse.
- Mills agreed to testify against co-defendant Andre Dwayne Walker in his upcoming trial as part of a plea agreement.
- Xavier died after nearly a month on life support, following severe injuries including bruises, burn marks, and cardiac arrest.
Kimberley Leonie Mills will spend the rest of her life behind bars
Mills and Walker were indicted in April of 2025 on an array of charges, including first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse.
The indictments came after Mills’ son Xavier suffered a cardiac arrest and was taken to AdventHealth Waterman on February 22 last year, where medical staff noticed he was covered in bruises and burn marks.
Xavier was later airlifted to a children’s hospital in Orlando for specialized care, but he passed away on March 21, 2025, after nearly a month on life support.
His death was ruled the direct result of systematic abuse committed by Mills and allegedly by Walker, while at Mills’ home in Tavares, Florida.
Image credits: Tavares Police Department
Xavier’s younger brother told detectives that they had suffered “unspeakable torment,” WFLA reported at the time.
The outlet also reported that police uncovered several items from the home that were used to inflict harm on the siblings, including a 10-pound weight and duct tape.
Investigators said that Xavier was left defenseless with his arms restrained above his head as the weight was intentionally dropped onto his exposed stomach.
A thick insulated copper wire was also discovered in his bedroom that authorities said had been used to harm the children, WFLA reported.
Both Mills and Walker have remained in custody since their indictments.
Walker is due to go on trial later this year
Image credits: Tavares Police Department
“Our focus has always been justice for this child and accountability for those responsible,” Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney, said on Wednesday.
“Mills’ plea, which includes truthful testimony against her co-defendant, strengthens our ability to pursue that goal and ensures the full story is brought before the court.
“In doing so, Mills will spend the rest of her life incarcerated. I have no doubt she will think of Xavier every waking day and regret the pain and suffering she made him endure while she repeatedly endures her own.”
Gladson said that Xavier’s father and extended family expressed their support for the plea agreement.
Image credits: Tavares Police Department
Chief of the Tavares Police Department, Sarah Coursey, welcomed Mills’ sentence and described the crimes against Xavier as heartbreaking.
“The death of Xavier is one of the most heartbreaking crimes our community has ever faced,” she said in a statement.
“While no outcome can truly bring justice for such a loss, the plea agreement ensures that Kimberley Mills will spend the rest of her life in prison and that her cooperation will help hold Andre Walker fully accountable for his heinous acts.
“Our department remains committed to seeking justice for Xavier and to honoring his life through the pursuit of truth and accountability.”