Log in to WRAL.com with one click using your favorite social network:
OR
Log in using your WRAL.com account:



Wrong email/password combination.

Forgot password?

Register with WRAL.com using your favorite social network:
OR
Register for a WRAL.com account using our web form.

3:57 p.m. • 5-25-13

Weather Forecast for Raleigh

  • Sun: Partly Cloudy.
    • Hi: 75° F
  • Mon: Partly Cloudy.
    • Hi: 80° F
  • Tue: Thunderstorm.
    • Hi: 85° F

Other Locations

> 7 Day Forecast

Doppler Image

Published: 2004-06-11 10:06:00
Updated: 2004-06-11 10:06:00

Victim's Family Claims Williamson Not Remorseful For Actions In 1995 Shooting


Wendell Williamson in 2004
Wendell Williamson in 2004
print friendly

Seven years ago, two people died and a police officer was seriously hurt in a shooting rampage in Chapel Hill. Now, the man charged in the shootings has a little more freedom. For one of the victim's families, the pain is still as fresh as ever.

On a January afternoon in 1995, downtown Chapel Hill turned upside down. Law student Wendell Williamson went on a shooting spree, killing two people. One of them was UNC lacrosse player Kevin Reichardt.

"We miss him tremendously. It's left a big hole in our lives," mother Carol Reichardt said.

Every December, Reichardt's parents drive from their home in Maryland to North Carolina to attend Williamson's annual review.

"There's an issue of the victims. Our son was a victim. We're victims," father Karl Reichardt said.

Williamson was found not guilty in his criminal trial by reason of insanity. He is currently at Dorothea Dix Hospital. A doctor testified Monday that Williamson is a model patient, claiming "he's intellectual, educated and free from symptoms."

However, the doctor also admitted in court that Williamson could still be considered a danger to the community, and that he has a long way to go before he should be released from Dorothea Dix.

The judge decided to recommit him for another year, but he also gave Williamson a little more freedom, up to an hour of unsupervised time every day.

"I find it amazing that it's all about Williamson. It's all about him. How can we make him better? How can we get a treatment plan to progress? Let's remembered he murdered two people," Carol said.

The Reichardts said Williamson has never shown any remorse for the death of their youngest son. They admit they are still angry.

"If I was to come face-to-face with Wendell Williamson, I'd make him accountable," Karl said.

"I don't think he should ever be released," Carol said.

The Reichardts plan to be in court every time Williamson's case is heard. They say it is the least they can do for their son.

  • Reporter: Julia Lewis
  • Photographer: Don Ingle
  • Web Editor: Kamal Wallace

0 Comments


WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

View Comments 0 COMMENTS

This story is closed for comments. Comments on WRAL.com news stories are accepted and moderated between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

View Comments 0 COMMENTS