Opening statements begin in Mount Dora double-murder trial of Vickie Williams

TAVARES, Fla. - Opening statements began Monday in the Lake County double-murder trial of Vickie Lynn Williams, who is accused of stabbing and killing an elderly Mount Dora couple inside their home on New Year's Eve 2022.

The backstory:

Darryl and Sharon Getman, aged 83 and 80, respectively, were found stabbed to death inside their home at Lakeside of Waterman Village, a retirement community, on Dec. 31, 2022, in what officials described as a violent, targeted, yet random attack.

Police said Williams was spotted wandering around the retirement community multiple times between Dec. 30 and 31, and on one occasion, knocked on another resident's door and asked to take a shower before that resident pressed her panic button.

At some point, Williams allegedly returned, killed the Getman's, and then left in their green Kia Soul. Williams was found days later in Savannah, Georgia parked at a train station, police said. 

Williams is charged with first-degree murder in both deaths, and grand theft. The state is seeking the death penalty in the case.

Records appear to show that Williams has a decades-long criminal history, including 24 arrests in Ohio or South Carolina. Those arrests ranged from misdemeanors to felonies, including assault, criminal trespassing, theft, robbery, receiving stolen property, and domestic violence, according to previous FOX 35 reporting.

What they're saying:

Prosecutors told jurors Williams knew right from wrong when she killed Daryl and Sharon Getman, arguing the attack was deliberate and supported by physical evidence. 

They said Williams stabbed the couple multiple times with at least two knives, washed her clothes in the victims' laundry room, stole their car and drove to Georgia, where she was arrested days later. Investigators testified that Williams' DNA was found on the murder weapons and on Daryl Getman's hand.

"The evidence shows that the defendant stabbed the Getmans repeatedly with at least two knives," prosecutors said during opening statements.

The other side:

The defense acknowledged Williams killed the couple but argued she should be found not guilty by reason of insanity. Attorneys said Williams had been diagnosed with schizophrenia months before the killings and was experiencing a severe psychotic episode.

"You are here to answer a much more difficult question: What caused this to happen," defense attorneys told the jury.

According to the defense, Williams believed the Getmans were going to kill their children.

"In the hours leading up to this tragic incident, Williams spent the day wandering this retirement community. She is experiencing severe escalating psychosis," the defense said.

Jurors also heard testimony Monday from several witnesses, including neighbors of the Getmans and security officers from Waterman Village.

The trial resumes Tuesday with additional witness testimony.