The Warrensville Heights Police Department announced Wednesday that a 46-year-old woman was shot and killed in a domestic violence disturbance on Monday. A man, who sources told News 5 is her fiancé, was taken into custody and later released due to insufficient evidence.
A single bouquet of flowers outside A La Mode Stylez salon in University Heights fills an empty spot as the community mourns the loss of Amanda Williams, who a city spokesperson confirmed was the victim of the shooting.
“She's going to be missed,” said Rachel Owens, owner of Total Relaxation, LLC. “She's definitely going to be missed. I truly love Amanda.”
Authorities said officers responded to a home in the 19700 block of Sunset Drive Monday around 11:41 p.m. Inside the home, officers found the woman, who had been shot multiple times. First responders transported Williams to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
“I've been knowing Amanda for at least 30 years, and we've been friends, buddies from the day I met her,” said Face, owner of ByFace and Faceography.
“You know she's such a positive person. Such a caring person, you can't say enough about how special she was to the community, to her friends, to her sorority sisters, to me,” said Face.
Williams not only built a popular salon but also a family-like network among neighboring businesses.
“Just the little things that I'm going to miss,” said Face. “So much love.”
Owens said that she feels an emptiness in her heart, too.
She runs a business upstairs from Williams' salon and says she will miss coming down to chat with her friend.
“Knowing that we were a family and a team, no matter what. We were always a family,” said Owens.
Pastor R. A. Vernon of The Word Church said that her death has left a big hole in many people's hearts.
“There's some people, and I've been doing this a long time, that when they walk in the room, they light up the room; that was her, and she'll be sorely missed, and we're grieving the needless death because of domestic violence,” Vernon said.
Over the last 24 hours, there's been an outpouring of support for Williams from people like Able Oriri. He runs a counseling center upstairs from Williams' salon in University Heights. He says he will miss coming down to check on his friend.
Oriri encourages those grieving the loss of Williams to take care of themselves and stay close to their support system during the difficult time.
"Remember that life is precious; share with people that you love. Tell them you love them because you don't know what can happen; anything can happen, anytime. With faith and with community holding together, I think Amanda's life will not be for nothing," he said.
Warrensville Heights Police confirmed Tirrell Edwards had been identified as a suspect in the homicide and was taken into custody and questioned. He has since been released.
"In light of the felony nature of this case, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office upon review of the preliminary information would recommend whether there is sufficient evidence to file charges for a felony indictment. On Wednesday October 11, 2023, after initial review of the preliminary evidence, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office determined that there was insufficient evidence to charge the suspect at this time," the city said in news release. "Legal requirements dictate that individuals detained for 48 hours must either face charges or be released. As of October 11, Tirrell Edwards has been released from custody. Although the suspect has been released at this time, this investigation remains open and active between the Warrensville Heights Police Department and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office."
You can read the full news release below:
The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office said Edwards claimed self-defense in the shooting, and they will review the case to determine if charges would be filed.
"A CCPO staff member was contacted by the Warrensville Heights Police Department regarding the homicide of Amanda Williams. It is our understanding that the suspect is making a self-defense claim. The CCPO staff member advised them to continue their investigation. When and if a case is submitted to our office, we will review all evidence prior to making a determination for charging," the prosecutor's office said.
