A Mother’s Pleas Ignored: The Heart-Wrenching Murder of Shantay Butts
The community of Florida is mourning the devastating loss of 34-year-old mother of four, Shantay Butts, whose life was brutally cut short in a horrific act of domestic violence. Just six days after courageously reporting her ex-boyfriend, Little Mack Williams, for stalking, Shantay was tragically gunned down inside her own home. Despite her desperate efforts to seek help—including recording chilling videos of Williams lurking near her workplace—Shantay’s cries for protection fell on deaf ears. Her final moments were filled with fear and terror, as Williams violently broke into her home, leaving behind a trail of devastation and heartbreak. This senseless murder has sparked outrage and grief as the community grapples with the horrifying reality of how a mother’s life was stolen despite her calls for help.
Final Moments of Fear: Chilling Details of a Preventable Tragedy
The details surrounding Shantay’s final moments are harrowing. On July 5, 2025, she reported Williams for aggravated stalking after he showed up at her home, banging on her window, demanding entry, and asking about a missing firearm. She firmly refused and posted a now-heartbreaking video on Facebook, capturing Williams stalking her outside her job. But on July 11, the nightmare escalated—Williams forced his way into her home, shot and killed Shantay, and injured a male companion who was present. Her children, terrified and helpless, were inside the home during the attack. A juvenile inside the residence made a frantic 911 call, and the dispatcher chillingly heard the suspect yell, “Where’s your momma?” followed by bloodcurdling screams and a gunshot. This horrifying incident was not just a murder—it was a systematic failure to protect a woman who was crying out for help.
Demands for Justice: Community Outcry After a Preventable Domestic Violence Death
In the aftermath of this senseless killing, calls for justice have echoed through the community. Williams was arrested shortly after the incident and now faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder with a firearm, attempted murder, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He also had an outstanding warrant for burglary and grand theft. Advocates for domestic violence victims are demanding accountability from the justice system that failed Shantay. Many are asking how a known felon with a violent past was able to carry out such a heinous crime, even after the victim’s multiple warnings. Vigils are being planned in Shantay’s memory, with many vowing to fight for stronger protection laws for victims of stalking and domestic abuse. Shantay’s story is a heartbreaking reminder that cries for help must never be ignored—and her memory will fuel the fight for change.
