OAKLAND, Calif. — A former Alameda County sheriff’s deputy was convicted of first-degree murder in the killings of a Dublin couple, a case that gripped the community and cast a shadow over the sheriff’s department after revelations of widespread psychological assessment failures among deputies. The jury found 26-year-old Devin Williams guilty in the deaths of Maria and Benison Tran, who were fatally shot in their home on September 7, 2022.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Williams was romantically involved with Maria Tran, notwithstanding her marriage to Benison Tran. The couple’s teenage son was present in the home at the time of the crime, further intensifying the case’s tragic nature. The verdict was rendered on October 3, culminating in a closely watched court battle that captured the region’s attention.
Following the verdict, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price expressed her gratitude towards the jury and acknowledged her team’s efforts in securing the conviction. “Our victim-witness advocates have worked relentlessly to support the victims’ families throughout this deeply challenging period,” Price said in a statement. She also addressed the broader implications of the crime, noting its devastating impact on a young boy who lost his parents and on a community shaken by such a brutal act.
Amidst the case, the district attorney decided to drop special circumstances enhancements against Williams amidst some public criticism. Nonetheless, Price’s decision did not seem to affect the trial’s outcome.
Shortly after the double homicide, an investigation by a local news outlet uncovered that Williams had failed his psychological exam for law enforcement but was still employed as a deputy. This revelation prompted then-Sheriff Greg Ahern to review other members of the department, which led to an alarming finding that nearly 50 deputies had similarly received unsuitable results on their tests.
While these deputies were temporarily relieved from certain duties, a memo from an Alameda County sheriff’s captain defended their record, stating that these individuals had “done nothing wrong” and praised their contributions to the office and community. However, this internal review did not lead to any formal disciplinary actions or public reports, raising questions about transparency and accountability within the sheriff’s department.
Most of these deputies have since returned to their roles, according to reports, even as the community and local authorities continue to grapple with the implications of these findings.
Williams, who pleaded not guilty and whose defense argued for a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter, asserting the killings were crimes of passion, now faces up to 50 years to life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for November 12, closing a chapter on a case that has not only led to personal tragedy but also underscored significant systemic issues within local law enforcement.