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Kindergarten teacher fatally shot by estranged husband

Michele Kennington Williams, 51, was found dead in her car just after 6:30 p.m. after officers responded to reports of shots fired at 1219 Collington Dr. She was a a Kindergarten teacher at Timber Drive Elementary School in Garner.

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CARY, N.C. — Michele Kennington Williams, 51, was found dead in her car just after 6:30 p.m. Friday after officers responded to reports of shots fired at 1219 Collington Dr. She was a a Kindergarten teacher at Timber Drive Elementary School in Garner.

Soon after the shooting, David Sloan Williams, 55, of Stone Home Lane, Raleigh, turned himself in to police working at Cary Towne Center.

David Williams is charged with murder, according to police, which carries a punishment of death or life in prison without parole. He was taken to the Wake County Public Safety Center in Raleigh.

Friday evening authorities received six 911 calls. In audio from calls released Saturday, a caller told the emergency dispatcher that someone was shooting outside a row of town homes. The caller reported the gunman was dressed in a hoodie and left the scene just after the shooting.

"It was a ton of gun shots," the caller said. "Like five, like six or seven or eight gunshots, or maybe 10."

Several witnesses rushed to help Michele Williams, still inside her car. They said she appeared to be moving but was not completely alert. She later died from her injuries.

Other callers also told dispatchers there were multiple gunshots in the incident, and one of the callers said a bullet struck the front door, which police later confirmed.

Williams' daughter, Allison Williams released a statement Saturday.

“She was my very best friend, and I love her more than anyone in the world. To know my mom was to love her. Mom’s family, friends and students were so very lucky to know her. My mommy may not be physically with me anymore, but I know she lives on in the hearts of the many, many people that love her.”

“Our hearts are heavy for this grieving family during what is supposed to be a joyous time of year,” said Capt. Randall Rhyne of Cary’s Criminal Investigation Division. “We hope our quick apprehension of the suspect brings some degree of solace to our victim’s family and our community as a whole.”

Kim Burton, principal at Timber Drive Elementary School, released a statement on behalf of the school.

"All of us at Timber Drive Elementary and our entire school community are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear colleague, our friend, Michele Williams. She was a dedicated, hardworking, and loving teacher who gave her students the gift of her smile each and every day," Burton said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to Michele's family and friends."

Williams was hired by the Wake County Public School System in August 2008.

The case remains an active investigation and anyone with information about the murder is encouraged to contact the Town of Cary Police Department at 919-469-4012 or file a report anonymously with Cary CrimeStoppers at 919-460-4636.

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