Meriadoc Road Homicide Suspects Arrested

January 31, 2025

On January 28 at approximately 7:11 a.m., the Tallahassee Police Department responded to the 1800 block of Meriadoc Road in reference to a deceased subject lying in the roadway. Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit were quickly called to the scene. Over the past two days, detectives worked tirelessly to collect evidence and develop probable cause for the arrest of Thailan Williams and Deshan Jones.

Detectives found that, at approximately 1:14 a.m., the victim drove Williams and Jones to the 1800 block of Meriadoc Drive. After exiting the vehicle, the victim was shot without any apparent precipitating altercation or provocation. Following the shooting, the suspects fled the scene in the victim's vehicle, with Jones driving.

Later that morning, at approximately 3:09 a.m., a Florida Highway Patrol officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle for a moving violation near the Leon-Jefferson County Line. The driver fled the traffic stop and ultimately crashed the vehicle near the Jefferson County Courthouse. Williams and Jones fled the scene of the crash on foot.

On January 30, members of the United States Marshals Task Force apprehended both suspects near the 4100 block of Jackson Bluff Road without further incident.

The Tallahassee Police Department would like to extend its gratitude to all those who contributed to the investigation, helping bring justice and closure to the victim's family. TPD reminds you to report criminal activity by calling TPD at 850-891-4200. You can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS.

Arrestee: Thailan Williams, 17 years of age
Charges:  Homicide - 1st Degree Murder, Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle

Arrestee: Deshan Jones, 19 years of age
Charges: Homicide - 1st Degree Murder, Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle