Ep 5. Opal Williams

Opal Williams was just like any other single mom trying to provide for her two kids until she met Tony Ray. Things seemed to be going smoothly until the relationship turned abusive. Opal was determined to break free, but Tony wasn't going to let her go that easily.

In this episode of Snapped, viewers are given a detailed account of the events leading up to Opal's arrest and conviction for the murder of Tony Ray. Through interviews with friends, family, and law enforcement, we gain insight into both the victim and the perpetrator.

Opal's children recall their mother as loving and caring, but also struggling to make ends meet. In an effort to better her financial situation, Opal began working at a local strip club where she met Tony. Randy, Opal's brother, remembers his sister as not making the best choices when it came to men but was still surprised to learn of the abuse she suffered at the hands of Tony.

Law enforcement officials paint a picture of a tumultuous relationship punctuated by violent outbursts from Tony. The police were called to the couple's apartment multiple times for domestic disturbances, and Opal had filed two restraining orders against Tony. Despite this, the couple continued to see each other, and Opal even allowed Tony to move back in with her.

A turning point in Opal's life came when she met a man named Jarrick, whom she began seeing romantically. Tony found out about the relationship and began to threaten Opal, even going so far as to break into her apartment and beat her. It was after this incident that Opal reportedly made the decision to kill Tony and enlisted the help of her cousin, Terrell.

The murder itself was a gruesome affair, with Tony being beaten, stabbed, and left to die in a ditch near the couple's apartment complex. Detectives were able to gather enough evidence to arrest both Opal and Terrell, who ultimately took a plea deal in order to testify against Opal.

Through interviews with Opal's defense attorney and prosecutor, viewers learn of the complex legal battle that followed the murder. The defense argued that Opal had been acting in self-defense and had been suffering from battered woman syndrome. The prosecution, however, painted a picture of a woman who had planned the murder and acted with premeditation.

Ultimately, the jury found Opal guilty of murder, and she was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The episode ends with Opal's children visiting her in prison, reflecting on what could have been and grappling with the fact that their mother is behind bars for the rest of her life.

Snapped season 25 episode 5 provides a deep dive into the life and crimes of Opal Williams, a woman who found herself caught up in a dangerous and abusive relationship that ultimately ended in tragedy. Through interviews with those closest to her and legal experts, viewers learn about the complexities of this legal battle and the lasting impact it had on everyone involved.