Demetrius Benjamin Williams Charged with Seven Felonies, Including Open Murder, in Fatal Shooting of California Nurse’s Assistant Eliza Vega
Authorities have charged Demetrius Benjamin Williams with seven felony offenses, including open murder, in connection with the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Eliza Vega, a nurse’s assistant originally from California. The tragic incident occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 5, 2025, on the 1400 block of Cypress Street on the city’s West Side, a neighborhood known for both its tight-knit community and ongoing struggles with gun violence.
According to law enforcement, officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 4:15 a.m. and discovered Vega suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services were immediately dispatched to the scene, but despite life-saving efforts, Vega was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The investigation quickly led detectives to Demetrius Benjamin Williams, a recently paroled individual who had been released from prison just five months earlier, in November 2024. Williams, whose criminal history includes prior violent offenses, was taken into custody following a coordinated effort between local police and federal law enforcement agencies. Authorities have yet to disclose the full scope of evidence leading to his arrest, but confirmed that surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence played key roles in identifying him as the primary suspect.
Williams now faces a total of seven felony charges. These include open murder, a charge that allows for varying degrees of murder to be considered during prosecution; felony firearm possession; being a felon in possession of a weapon; and multiple counts related to the unlawful discharge of a firearm. Prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continues.
Eliza Vega, described by family and friends as compassionate, hardworking, and devoted to her patients, had recently relocated to the area to care for an ailing relative while continuing her work in the healthcare field. Loved ones say she dreamed of becoming a registered nurse and had been taking classes part-time while working full shifts at a local care facility.
“This is an unimaginable loss,” said Rosa Martinez, Vega’s cousin. “Eliza dedicated her life to helping others. She didn’t deserve this—no one does. We want justice, and we want answers.”
Law enforcement officials have not yet confirmed a motive for the killing, but sources close to the investigation suggest that Vega may have been an unintended target or caught in the crossfire of a dispute. Police are urging anyone with further information to come forward as they continue to piece together the events that led to the deadly encounter.
Williams is currently being held without bond pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for later this month. If convicted of open murder, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The case has reignited public concern over the state’s parole procedures and the release of violent offenders into the community. Local lawmakers and advocacy groups are already calling for a comprehensive review of early release programs, questioning whether enough oversight and post-release supervision were in place in Williams’ case.
Meanwhile, the community continues to mourn the loss of Eliza Vega, a young woman whose life and potential were abruptly taken away by senseless violence. A candlelight vigil is scheduled to be held in her honor on the upcoming weekend, where friends, family, and community members will gather to remember her life and call for justice.