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By
Yvianna Estrella
- March 3, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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A car crash victim’s family testified during the sentencing of a homicide defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 28.
On Aug. 30, 2024, Olivia Ayong, 50, pleaded guilty to negligent homicide for her involvement in the car crash that claimed the life of 72-year-old Ralph Williams on Nov. 25, 2022, on the 900 block of K Street, NE.
According to court documents, Williams, while double parked unloading groceries with his wife, was struck and pinned between Ayong’s car and his own. He was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from damage to his legs and pelvis.
Ayong, who worked as a home healthcare provider, was transporting a patient at the time of the incident. She tested negative for alcohol and drug use, and the patient in her vehicle said Ayong was not using her phone at the time.
During the hearing, prosecutors had Williams’ family members present victim statements, where they expressed how the passing of Williams has affected them.
Williams’ son cried at the stand, stating “it still hurts to this day, I think about him.” His son was followed by Williams’ cousin, who also gave tear-filled testimony telling Judge Brandt that he and Williams had a relationship like brothers.
“There has been a void in my life since his passing, he has been a part of my life since I was born… I lost a brother, I lost a part of me,” Williams’ cousin told Judge Brandt. Additionally, he told Judge Brandt that the family wanted Ayong held responsible for her actions.
“To me Ralph was a dream come true… when I lost my husband I lost my partner, friend, and love of my life… his death has left me in darkness,” Williams’ wife cried. She described the last moments she had with her husband as he lay dying on the street, but surprisingly told the court, “I forgive her because I know she didn’t mean to kill my husband.”
Ayong, in an emotional statement, apologized to the family and showed remorse, saying, “I’m so sorry for what happened, please forgive me I never meant to do that… I can’t sleep, I cry every day, I can’t even look at your face.”
After the statements, Judge Brandt imposed a sentence of 36 months with all of it suspended. Ayong is required to be on probation for two years, during which she must participate in mandated grief counseling.
No further dates were set.