Man Convicted of Murdering Estranged Wife After Tracking Her on Night Out

Raymond Williams has been found guilty of murdering his estranged wife Tania Williams after tracking her down during a night out in Norwich on 17 January. The 49-year-old mother of four died from severe neck wounds. Williams will be sentenced on 25 September.

A jury has found Raymond Williams, 61, guilty of murdering his estranged wife Tania Williams following a 17-day trial at Norwich Crown Court. The 49-year-old mother of four was fatally attacked on 17 January after returning home from a night out with friends in Norwich, suffering severe wounds to her neck that caused her death from blood loss.

Williams had systematically searched multiple venues across the city centre in an attempt to locate Tania while she was socialising with friends. He eventually found her at Revolucion de Cuba on Queen Street, where they were observed leaving together, though Tania appeared to be trying to maintain distance from him. The pair then separated, and security footage later showed a vehicle matching Williams' car parked on Yarmouth Road near Catherine Gardens just minutes before the fatal attack occurred.

According to regional news coverage, the jury reached their guilty verdict unanimously after deliberating for just over three hours. Williams had denied the murder charge throughout the proceedings.

At 23:40 GMT on the night of the attack, neighbours heard screams and voices outside and discovered Tania lying on the ground with significant blood loss. She died shortly before midnight. A craft knife was recovered near the scene, and forensic evidence showed blood-staining matching Tania's DNA inside Williams' vehicle. He was arrested outside his home on Dereham Road, Norwich, at 02:45 GMT on 18 January.

Raymond Williams a man who is sitting down having his picture taken. He is bald and is wearing a black sweatshirt. He is looking directly at the camera. — Williams was arrested outside his address hours after the murder

What was their relationship history?

The married couple had three children together before their relationship deteriorated and Williams moved out of the family home. The court heard evidence of a previous incident in April 2019 when Williams allegedly threatened and assaulted Tania, though that investigation was discontinued after she withdrew her complaint, police confirmed.

According to trial coverage from July 2026, the proceedings began on 28 July and jurors were presented with CCTV evidence documenting Tania's final hours. A jury comprising seven men and five women heard the case, with Williams represented by Stephen Rose KC.

Who was Tania Williams?

Tania was remembered by those who knew her as a devoted and caring individual who spoke frequently about her four children. She volunteered at the Oxfam charity shop on Magdalen Street, where staff described her as unforgettable and exceptionally kind.

In a Facebook tribute that received more than a thousand likes, the charity shop wrote:

Tania was wonderful: the kindest, most caring person you could meet. She was so full of positive energy, warmth and joy that it is very difficult to comprehend what has happened.

Reverend James Stewart of Thorpe St Andrew Church, where Tania had become an active member of the community, said the news of her death was

very, very devastating

and noted that she

very much became part of our church community

. More than 200 people attended her funeral, reflecting the impact she had made on those around her.

Tania Williams is inside looking into the camera. She has wavy blue hair. She is wearing make-up, including bright red lipstick and black mascara. She is wearing a dark blue dress. — Tania was described as a devoted mother who always spoke about her children

What was Williams' background?

According to news reports following the verdict, Williams had previously worked as a police community support officer. He was remanded in custody following his first appearance before Norwich Magistrates' Court on 21 January 2026, and subsequently entered a not guilty plea at a February 2026 hearing before the trial date was set for late July.

What happens next?

Williams is due to be sentenced on 25 September. Following the court hearing, Senior Investigating Officer Det Insp Sam Pontin commended Tania's family, saying they had

shown remarkable strength and dignity throughout this investigation and trial

. Police added that the family

have supported the investigation from the very beginning and have endured the extremely difficult process of hearing the evidence presented in court

Key Facts

Raymond Williams, 61, was found unanimously guilty of murdering his estranged wife Tania Williams, 49, on 17 January in Norwich
He systematically searched multiple venues to locate her before finding her at a bar on Queen Street and tracking her home
Tania died from severe neck wounds caused by a craft knife; blood evidence was recovered from Williams' vehicle
A previous assault allegation against Williams in April 2019 was discontinued when Tania withdrew her complaint
Sentencing is scheduled for 25 September 2026