Tragedy on Newton Avenue

The tragedy that unfolded on Newton Avenue early Sunday morning has left Uniondale in shock, and cast a somber cloud over the community. Police roamed the street, between Edgemere and Amsterdam avenues, all day on Oct. 29, investigating what they described as a domestic disturbance turned deadly.

Two lives were lost in what police were calling a murder-suicide involving a husband and wife. Ralph Williams, 45, fatally shot his wife, 43-year-old Vanessa Johnson-Williams, in their home before turning the gun on himself, police said.

Officers from the Nassau County Police Department’s 1st Precinct responded to the scene on Sunday morning, following a 911 call that was placed just after 7 a.m. According to the Homicide Squad, the call reported a “violent domestic incident involving a handgun” at 612 Newton Ave. Police discovered the couple lying in a pool of blood in their bedroom, both with gunshot wounds.

Williams and Johnson-Williams were transported to Nassau University Medical Center, where Johnson-Williams was pronounced dead at 7:49 a.m. Williams was initially listed in serious but stable condition, but later died of his injuries. The investigation into the shooting continued as the Herald went to press.

Neighbors expressed their shock over the incident. Some mentioned that there had been a barbecue at the Williams house the night before, while others added that gunshots, unfortunately, are a common occurrence in the area.

Kristan Wadell, a Uniondale resident and a friend of Johnson-Williams, shared her grief on social media. “She was my friend and I am deeply saddened by her passing,” Wadell posted in an exchange on Facebook.

Destine Gooden, of Uniondale, who lives near Newton Avenue, said she was saddened by the news of a neighbor dying. “It’s a shame that someone had to lose their life,” Gooden said. “That is really sad.”

“I pray whoever’s mom, grandma and sister that is,” Gooden added, “that they find their peace.”