Suspect makes first appearance before judge on homicide charge in Village Creek Apartments shooting

Willian Do’Amaral, a Fort Myers man, appeared in court virtually from the Lee County Jail on charges of homicide, with the assistance of a Portuguese interpreter. Fort Myers police said Do’Amaral is accused of killing a woman at the Village Creek Apartments on Winkler Avenue on Monday. Police confirmed that Do’Amaral knew the victim, but the motive for the crime remains unclear. The judge appointed a public defender to represent Do’Amaral and said, “I do find probable cause based on the narrative.” A friend of the victim, Laura Mia, shared her thoughts about the suspect, saying, “No. She, she called me when she was involved with him. I'm saying that she's, was need him and stuff like that, but not that much, which I talk like a lot about him. And, you know, I don't know him, but I know who he was.” During the hearing, Judge George placed an ICE hold on Do’Amaral after he mentioned having an immigration court date set for next year. That is changed because you picked up these new charges. You now have an immigration detainer," said Judge George. Do’Amaral is expected to appear in court again on Thursday, where a judge will decide whether he will remain in jail as his case proceeds through the legal system. Police have not identified the victim and are not releasing the 911 calls at this time. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.