TAMPA, Fl. — In response to the growing numbers coronavirus cases and as an effort to slow the spread, Hillsborough County Jail decided to release 164 low level and non-violent offenders. Among the group was 26-year-old Joseph Edwards Williams, who is now accused of second-degree murder.

According to WFLA, Williams was released on March 19 and one day after his released police responded to a murder near Progress Village. Police say that Williams is connected to the murder and took advantage of this health emergency to commit the crime.

Williams has been charged with second degree murder with a firearm, a gun charge and resisting an officer. His combined bond, including the previous charges of possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia, is now more than $250,000.