South Putnam grad dead in Clay County shooting

Monday, March 22, 2021
Terry Gibson

POLAND — A Saturday shooting in eastern Clay County left a Poland man dead.

Ronald B. Williams, 35, died of multiple gunshot wounds. Formerly of Reelsville, Williams was a 2005 South Putnam High School graduate.

The suspect in the shooting, Terry L. Gibson, 44, Indianapolis, was taken into custody by the Indiana State Police SWAT team shortly after 3 p.m. Sunday. He was booked in the Clay County Justice Center.

Gibson wass preliminarily charged with murder, Level 4 felony attempted arson, and Level 6 felony obstruction of justice. He remained incarcerated Monday morning without bond awaiting formal court proceedings.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Department began investigating the incident shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday when a frantic unidentified female caller notified 911 Clay County Dispatch of an unwanted visitor with a gun at 5923 N. CR 850 North, Poland.

Officials confirmed that Gibson acted suspiciously when he visited Williams at a pole barn on the property.

The female attempted to contact Williams, but when she could not locate him, she fled the home on a UTV and called 911.

Investigators later discovered Williams, who had been shot several times, in the pole barn. Although deputies attempted life-saving measures, Williams succumbed to his injuries.

The residence was secured, and members of the Clay County Sheriff’s Department began an investigation. Indiana State Police was requested to assist, and the SWAT team took Gibson into custody without incident at an Indianapolis residence.

Assisting agencies included Indiana Conservation Officers, ISP, Clay County Prosecutor’s Office, Clay County Coroner’s Office, Center Point Fire Department, Poland Fire Department and STAR Ambulance.

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office is expected to file formal charges this week.

Williams was the younger brother of Molly Williams, the 2002 South Putnam graduate who died suddenly in 2005 while training for her senior basketball season at Limestone College in South Carolina.

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  • Prayers for the Williams family

    -- Posted by pjr1974 on Mon, Mar 22, 2021, at 2:04 PM
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