Florida Woman Faces Murder Charge After Beating During Necklace Dispute

Miami, FL - A Miami Beach woman faces a murder charge after allegedly beating a woman who attempted to snatch a necklace, with the victim later succumbing to her injuries.

Zaria Liana Williams, 20, has been upgraded to a second-degree murder charge after the death of a woman she allegedly beat during a chaotic altercation on Wednesday night.

Williams was initially arrested on aggravated battery charges after the incident near Fifth Street and Ocean Drive.

According to police reports, a "chaotic" scene unfolded just before 11 pm, involving Williams, the victim, and another woman.

The report details that the victim, who remains unidentified, allegedly "snatched" the necklace of the third woman.

However, the report also states the necklace was later found on the victim's person.

Despite the necklace being recovered, police say Williams, identified as the aggressor by witnesses, repeatedly punched the victim, even continuing the assault after the victim became unresponsive.

Surveillance footage reportedly captured Williams striking the woman seven times before a bystander intervened.

The victim sustained severe injuries and was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital.

Doctors informed investigators on Thursday that the woman suffered fractured ribs, sternum, and a critical brain bleed.

She was placed on a ventilator.

Tragically, two days later, the victim was declared brain dead with no chance of recovery.

Williams, who is homeless, was initially held on a $1 million bond for aggravated battery. A new bond amount for the upgraded murder charge is pending.