Mikey Williams, a promising San Ysidro High School basketball star, recently made his first court appearance to plead not guilty to five counts of assault with a deadly weapon and one count for firing into an occupied vehicle. The 18-year-old appeared in court via a remote virtual stream due to the publicity of the case and recent threats he received over social media.
Williams is denying all allegations made in a complaint submitted by the occupants of a 2023 Tesla rental that left an alleged social gathering at Williams’ home in Jamul, San Diego County, on March 27, 2023.
The complainants showed up at the mansion unannounced to request a walkthrough when Williams’ roommate allegedly shot at the vehicle to coerce the strangers to leave the premises. Evidence of a shooting was apparent from a damaged windshield located at the rear of the vehicle.
Initial reports from investigators stated that the incident was the aftermath of an altercation that occurred during a social gathering at Williams’ house. However, Williams denies that there were any gatherings that day.
Williams and the other party involved, consisting of two adults and three minors, did not personally know each other, while it has been determined that the 25-year-old driver of the Tesla was an Uber driver. No one was hurt in the incident.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled on June 29, in which Williams is expected to appear, alongside his representation, attorney Troy P. Owens. The basketball player faces up to 28 years in prison if convicted.
Williams was a featured guest on the I Am Athlete podcast, hosted by Brandon Marshall, Adam “Pacman” Jones, and LeSean “Shady” McCoy, published in Sept. 2022. On the 51st episode, he explained how his faith keeps him grounded amid being crowned the first of many historical moments in high school sports.
“I know that it could all end tomorrow though, so that’s why I feel humble with it,” Williams said. “God don’t put everybody in this position. A lot of people tell me if I was in your shoes you can’t tell me nothing….But in my head I’m like, that’s God.”
A high prospect athlete, Williams is currently ranked ESPN’s No. 46th overall recruit of the class of 2023 (At one point he was ranked 34th, according to ESPN). He’s enjoyed the title of being the first high school athlete to secure a multi-million dollar NIL deal. At the tender age of 17, Williams became the first high school athlete to sign a footwear and apparel endorsement deal with Puma in 2021.
The shooting guard is currently committed to play for the Tigers under Coach Penny Hardaway at Memphis University.
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