Man convicted of murder in midnight beer run

PHOENIX -- A Maricopa County Superior Court jury has convicted a man of first-degree murder and other charges in the death of an Arizona State University student during a midnight beer run last year.

Berry Williams, 49, faces 25 years to life in prison for the death of 27-year-old Abel Abebe, an ASU pharmacy student.

Phoenix police said Williams went to a Circle K in west Phoenix last Feb. 1 where he stole several packs of beer and left in a car driven by aother person. As police followed the car, they saw Berry and the driver switch seats. Officers stopped the vehicle, but Berry drove off. Police said patrol units backed off and let an air unit track Williams, who entered Interstate 10 at 75th Avenue and was clocked by a speed camera photo going 112 mph.

Williams left the freeway and later ran a red light at 19th Avenue and Baseline Road, striking Abebe's car.

Police said Williams had a blood alcohol level of .121 and also had cocaine in his system.

"This was more than just drinking and driving," said County Attorney Bill Montgomery. "This defendant displayed a total disregard for human life and recklessly created a grave risk of death to anyone who might come in his path. His decision to steal beer and flee the scene of the theft wound up killing an innocent man with a promising future. We will seek a maximum sentence to prevent Mr. Williams from further endangering the citizens of Maricopa County.

Acting Phoenix Police Chief Joseph Yahner said: "This suspect made choices that killed a man who was working and going to school to better his life. Each year our community suffers the loss of innocent victims like him who are killed by drunk drivers. These crimes tear at the very heart of our community and cannot be tolerated. The Phoenix Police Department is committed to aggressively enforcing DUI laws."

A status conference has been set for August 26th in front of Judge Susanna Pineda at which a sentencing date will be discussed.