JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The day that he was formally charged with five counts of first-degree murder, William Wells' mother said he told her "I made my peace with God. I can't live with what I did to my son's mother."
Police said that Wells has confessed to killing his estranged wife, her father and brother, a man his wife was dating and another acquaintance. The bodies were found in various states of decomposition inside Wells' Mayport mobile home on May 25 after a 12-hour standoff with police.
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The 18-member grand jury was presented evidence in the case, then returned the five-page indictment on Thursday. It details that Irene Wells was killed first, and that several days before the bodies were discovered.
State Attorney Harry Shorstein said he was not surprised that Wells admitted his guilt, but was not happy that he spoke publicly about it.
"Frankly, the state would prefer the case not be tried in the media," Shorstein said. "It would be better for the criminal justice system if all these issues could be resolved in court."
Shorstein did say he felt the confession was admissible in a trial, and that the state intends to seek the death penalty in the case.
That apparently is what Wells wants. Selma Wells met with her son in jail Friday then talked with Channel 4's Jennifer Waugh.
According to Ms. Wells, her son told her, "I can't spend my life in prison or in a mental institution. I'd rather them put me to death."
As he has attempted suicide in the past, Wells remains under a mental health watch in the Duval County jail. His arraignment is scheduled for June 17.
Previous Stories:
- June 4, 2003: New Information On Man Accused of Mayport Murders
- May 28, 2003: 5 Mayport Victims Were Shot To Death
- May 26, 2003: Families Of Mayport Massacre Victims Grieving
- May 25, 2003: 5 Bodies Found After 12-Hour Standoff