By Alyson Lawrence, Staff Writer
Halloween will mark two years since a deadly shooting resulted in a former Newman cheerleader being charged with first-degree murder, and she still hasn’t faced trial.
In late August, Carrice Profit’s attorney filed a motion asking that her trial, which was scheduled for Aug. 31, be continued because Profit is pregnant and due to deliver this month. Her doctor sent a medical statement recommending that, for the health of Profit and her pregnancy, the trial be continued. A judge granted the continuance and set the trial date for Nov. 16.
Profit is charged in the death of 13-year-old Donald Williams, who was shot on Oct. 31, 2024. Profit’s cousin, Jermall Lynn Campbell Jr., was found guilty by a jury of first-degree felony murder in connection with the crime and in July was sentenced to life in prison with no parole for 25 years.
Profit was part of Newman’s cheer and dance team. She was pictured at Newman University earlier on the day the shooting happened. Photos of her with her fellow cheer and dance members in Halloween costumes were posted that day to the team’s Facebook page.
Security cameras from the QuikTrip at 4730 E. Central showed Campbell firing eight shots into a crowd gathered at the QuikTrip. According to court records, Williams was there with a sibling and a friend and had walked to QuikTrip after getting thirsty while trick-or-treating. Williams happened to be standing near a group that included people Profit was arguing with.
Profit was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a firearm. According to an affidavit, she told Campbell to “come shoot this b—-- up” before he began firing that night. Profit pleaded not guilty, saying she acted in self defense.
She was released from jail on a $200,000 bond in February 2025.
PHOTO: Carrice Profit
