SOLVED AFTER 17 YEARS | The Unbelievable Case of Mike Williams 

Mike's mom really is her son's hero. Her holding a memorial for all the people who helped in this case is just the final bit of proof that she's a good person who in no way deserved this happening to her son. RIP Mike

Even though it took 15 years for Denise to be arrested, it was such a blessing that Cheryl was still alive to see justice finally served 🙌 👏 🙏 ❤️

Mike’s mom is proof that a mother’s love known no bounds. That woman worked so damn hard to get justice for her son! What an incredible lady.

i’m sorry but i actually had to laugh at 18:04 as if someone could actually think an alligator is gonna politely undress this man before he eats him 😭😭😭

as soon as she said "stop looking into it or you cant see your granddaughter" biggest red flag

As soon as Denise told her mother in law if she keeps looking into it then she wouldn’t bring her granddaughter around I just knew it was her! Like what kind of mother/daughter in law would do that to the mom after losing a husband/son. Glad justice was finally found!!

Putting your affair before your child having two loving, living parents is probably some of the worst selfishness I can think of.

RIP Mike, it’s so heartbreaking how he was betrayed by the two people closest to him. Fortunately Mike’s mom is a rockstar. I really hope she could reconnect with her granddaughter.

Murder instead of divorce = completely unforgivable. Every time.

Denise is crazy. Honestly, i have a special kind of hatred towards people who say “Divorce is against my religion” but then proceeds to kill them. wtf. If divorce is a sin (according to their religion), what do they think murder is?? Also the people who kill their ex because they want full custody of their child is so stupid and selfish. i’m glad Mike’s mom never gave up and continued to fight for her son. That’s so sad

For me the saddest part is how manipulated the daughter was. Her mother took both her dad and her grandma away from her and made her sympatize with a literal murderer without ramorse

It’s so sad to think that Mike’s last hunting experience was his best friend killing him. Pushing him off the boat, and his last image was his BEST FRIEND pointing a gun on him, and he had no idea why. He probably had so many questions, and left this world with so many questions and so much hurt in his heart.

heartbreaking to hear their daughter was convinced or just so brainwashed into not having a relationship with mike’s mom.. the audacity of his wife ugh🙄

Mike’s mother will never not be in my heart. How precious is that sweet little woman with her pigtails omg I just want to hug her 😢

I've heard this case before and I just feel so badly for Mike's mom, Sheryl. That woman is a badass. I hate that 2 of Denise's charges were overturned. She deserves to never ever get out of prison.

Maybe I’ve been watching true crime for too long. But my FIRST thought was they never looked at MOTIVE????? 1 million dollars is ALOT of money. The fact she wanted the case closed. Him declared dead. 9 days after requesting the money. If they investigated even a LITTLE they would’ve caught the affair. Basically any of us would have done a better job. Wow!!!!! That poor mom 😢 breaks my heart.

Denise is an awful woman but the audacity of this Bryan. Dude goes and plans out the murder of his best friend since childhood, tries to kidnap his estranged wife so she doesn't speak about it and then asks the police for immunity if he reveals the truth. Like you murdered him, how dare you ask for immunity?

Moms know. Moms *always* know. Cheryl knew there was something aloof, and wasn’t going to rest until she found out. What a courageous woman sticking to her gut and bringing her son justice, a true hero. ❤️

I’m glad his mom was still here to see justice served for her son!! ❤

Divorce is against your religion but murder isn’t is WWIIILLLDDDD

It’s insane that the cops were so caught up in proving she was guilty that he got immunity when he actually committed the murder!! Wow. They both should have gotten life.

I’m so glad his mother saw justice for him. She’s amazing.

This case is so disturbing! I always try to put myself in the victim’s shoes. I can’t imagine being betrayed by my best friend in such a horrific way. It makes me so sad for Mike. I’m thankful the truth finally came out. My sympathy to Mike’s family.

Cheryls pigtails were just the most adorable and cutest thing i had ever seen on a senior citizen 😊 she did Mike very proud, and 🫡 her ❤️

This was insane! Mike's mother is an angel, that poor lady went through so much but never gave up on her son.

the fact that denise and brian probably would've gotten away with the murder if they had just gone their separate ways after getting divorced. that's wild. paranoia is one strong b

Why are people so insane?! It started out so heartwarming, 4 friends growing up together and happily remaining friends. Why is that not enough for so many people? Why do people need to have affairs and betray their friends? And at the very least, why not just leave and let the other 2 live their lives? This is so disappointing and disturbing.

"Why is an alligator delicately undressing this dude" sorry, I chuckled!

I HAVE NEVER CLICKED SO FAST. My mom went to school with Mike, Brian, Kathy, and Denise. I knew their kids when we were little Edit: just another crazy tid bit that was left out, but during the trial it came out that the original plan was for them to kill both Mike and Kathy in a staged boating accident

I went to the same school as Mike. And I can tell you he was extremely popular. Everybody adored him. Its so sad, that he came to this end.

Telling her MIL she couldn't see her granddaughter if she kept investigating is a massive red flag

It is never ok to cheat on someone, let alone to arrange for them to be killed to "escape" your marriage. This is so sick.

his mom is such a strong woman, mike was very loved

There's a slight chance Ainslee is Brian's daughter as the affair with Brian began 3 years before Mike's death. If Mike's family could prove she's not biologically related to Mike then maybe they'd be entitled to Mike's estate? ...which Ainslee's currently sitting on (and no doubt using to top-up Denise's canteen in prison).

Mike’s mum is the most incredible woman!! She never gave up!

Mikes mom is just the most wonderful mom. Everton should have a mom like that. She was relentless

The fact that the wife tried to have him declared dead so soon, I knew immediately she did it. Then it was undoubtedly confirmed for me when the wife decided to cut contact with the mother in law because she wanted answers. I’ve heard a lot of horrible cases. This one for some reason made me very emotional, probably because the mother never gave up on getting answers for her son, no matter how many people refused to help her. and then for him to be betrayed like by his best friend and his wife, that makes me sick.

I’ve heard about this case a million times before but I always listen when there’s a new coverage because Mike and Mike’s mother are such wonderful people. Their stories deserve to be heard.

I feel like they could have solved this so much faster! It was painful to hear it went on this long before being solved

Did anything ever come out as to why Denise was hiding the gun from Mike’s brother? Was the same gun used to murder Mike bc if so that makes this case even more devastating considering he inherited that from his dad 😢

Bless that dear Mother’s heart! She was finally vindicated and her son has justice and a proper burial. Yes!! Eighteen years is a long time to wait. But her persistence paid off. ❤️💜💚

I have heard of this case many times and all those times I just feel so bad for his mother. She is literally the sweetest and cutest woman, I'm so glad sher never gave up or believed the alligator story. It's unfortunate that it took so long to get justice for Mike and his mom to have answers, I'm glad the truth came out.

I've recently delved into true crime documentaries and, for months now, I've binge-watched hundreds of videos on RU-vid. It's crazy that this is the first of yours that I've come across, and I've instantly become a fan! Well done. New subscriber here. I'm off now to check out your other videos!

This case got me all types of messed up. The constant appeals to get his death on record, the insurance amount, and the super clean materials found. Should’ve been investigated a LONG time ago.

This case absolutely breaks my heart. I have known about it for a while and there is something about it that moves me and it never leaves my mind. Mike absolutely did not deserve such a horrible death and betrayal from the people who he thought loved him, it is so terrible. I deeply admire his mother never giving up, being so smart and knowing it was suspicious from the start, she is an absolute gem. I also cannot believe it took so long to uncover this with all the suspicious stuff Denise and Bryan were doing like wtaf.

I've heard this case a couple of times, but as usual, the way you told Mike's story is really thoughtful, thanks for covering this one! RIP Mike!

Poor woman. Spending 18 years begging and pleading public for justice when the snakes were just around the corner!

One of my puppies died last Tuesday, Jan 2nd. We are all so broken hearted but he gave us 13 years of happy memories. So now, this year can only go up from here. Rip Rustin "Rusty"❤

I had no idea alligators were so gentle….

I've heard this story like ten times and I will watch it again because it is so so wild, the whole thing is just crazy how people you think you know can be so evil. I feel so bad Mikes family and his daughter. Especially since her mom had years to brainwash her.

It just really really sad how his daughter was brainwashed into thinking her grandmother was crazy… she was a concerned and heartbroken mother.. and trusted her gut instinct!!!!! I hope the granddaughter rekindles the relationship

You did an amazing job with this story. I have followed the story for years, because I live in Tallahassee and know almost all of the people involved. I saw Mrs. Cheryl with her signs, saw the billboards that she posted and followed every article that Jennifer Portman wrote about this case. I attended the trial and went to the funeral that Mrs. Cheryl had for Mike. There is TRULY NOTHING ON EARTH like a Mother's love!!

Bella! Clicked so fast…you posting just made my Monday….I already know this case but ofc I’m going to watch you tell it again ❤😂

I’m so happy Mikes mom got to live to see justice for her baby boy 🥺🫶🏻💙

I took a bit of a mental health break from watching true crime stuff, so I haven’t watched your videos in over a year. I’m getting back into it now and I forgot how you are truly one of the most well researched true crime reporter on this platform. You include so much information and present it in a way that’s easy to comprehend. Glad I found my way back!

I’m a current student at Florida state and have been watching your videos for the past 6 years. Crazy to hear about a story that happened so close to

Mikes mom is amazing. She did so much investigative work and thought of things I wouldn’t have even got to if I spent years. Special woman who clearly loves her son so much

18:16 “but why is an alligator doing all that” 🤣🤣🤣

Happy New Year!! I hope anyone reading this has a healthy and prosperous year!! ❤

I always find it ironic and plain hypocritical to say "I don't believe in divorce" but straight up murder their spouse like if murder isn't a hellable offense. Shoot even infidelity is viewed as something you can go to hell for lol. Anyway, happy to see Bella again in the new year!

Rip Mike. I feel like he was disconnected from everyone, like who doesn't suspect that for 3 years AND with your bestfriend too.. I wonder what he was really going through. Or if he knew but never thought they would go this far?

Ah so happy to be back into my true crime era, been watching your videos for agesss my absolute fave true crime RU-vidr 🥹❤️

I remember this case. I watched the trial and it made me cry how horrible it was. The betrayal is just beyond heartbreaking. RIP Mike.

Mike's mom is a true G and one of my idols since I first heard about this case ❤️🖤

it’s crazy how this case happened in my hometown and i’d never heard about it before. my heart breaks hearing mikes mom give her victim statement. she fought for her baby til the end. a moms job is never really done 😔

This was a really fascinating case good pick Bella!! I’ll never understand how these significant others think murder is a better option than divorce that’s mind boggling to me!!

I wouldn't call Denise's testimony "emotional" at Brian's sentencing. It seemed forced as heck to me! Where were those same emotions during her own trial for Mike's murder?! (They don't actually exist because she has none.)

I had heard about this case but it was approached a completely different way. I love how you laid everything out piece by piece.

ahhh perfect timing! was just about to pop on one of your vids to listen to while I clean - can't wait to get into this one!!

To whoever is reading this keep going, you're doing fine! No matter how slow your progress, each new week is filled with tiny steps forward. Be proud of yourself you got this! Wishing you the greatest and happiest 2024❤

the fact that the last thing mike experienced was the ultimate betrayal from his BEST FRIEND. truly heartbreaking and made me feel sick when she was talking about that. 💔💔

Cheryl really is a legend - almost 18 full years and she finally got justice. It’s sad to think but I’ve heard of cases where the parents die before they find out the truth about the circumstances of their children’s deaths and the fact she finally got closure is so amazing. Also not sure if it’s what the granddaughter wants (she’s an adult and can do what she wants and is probably grieving in her own right) but I hope she decided to connect with Cheryl after all these years (the fact she gave the remains to Cheryl is a good sign but still they deserve to have a relationship of some sort, especially after her parents called Cheryl crazy when they were the crazy ones, but she also defended her mom and put the blame solely on Brian so not sure if that could happen).

This case always makes me so sad for Mike and his mother 😔

It’s so sad cause Mike was a good man to his family 😭😭😭

This case is heartbreaking. I'm glad she was finally brought to justice

Tyler Doyle disappeared last January in a very similar way!! The case is a rabbit hole to go down. His body has not been recovered yet. “No one” knows what happened or where he is. I would love to hear your thoughts on his case!!

I am surprised with the daughter's words. How delusional she is that she tried to defend her mother saying she was been abused by Brian. She didn't gave it a thought where her grandmother fought for her dad throughout the time, in other hand her mother tried to cut all relation with them , took all the money, got married with the killer. If she was being that much abused then why didn't she go to her in-laws and confess and ask for help? She had all the options to take the right steps. She also should be monitored ........She is also scary ....

Ok like… as soon as I heard that Denise stopped letting Cheryl see her granddaughter… that felt wrong to me

The case of Tyler Doyle is so similar to this, it happened last year in SC. There’s a whole rabbit hole to go down with this one.

Thank you so much for covering this one. I knew about, but getting the update really made my heart glad for his dear mother who was a champion of justice for her son. Great video. Thank you.

Cases like this are so insane to me. I knew of one years ago and then became personally connected to it through my dentist, of all people. I had an appointment and one of his assistants/a good friend to me that I babysat for while I was there in college told me “He’s a little nervous today - his wife has been granted a day out of prison for the holidays so it’ll be the first time he, her, and their daughters will be together alone since about 5 years ago.” I said, “….Huh?? What did she do??” And she told me years ago she had a first husband and she decided to have an affair, and decided she would rather be with him than her husband. Instead of divorce him, she ALSO chose murder! She called the police in the middle of the night and said her husband worked at the library and had the key, and these two black men wanted to rob it, so they came to his personal residence and broke in and killed him for the library key. So far fetched, but they believed her!! The “men” got away and she actually did not ever go on to marry her affair partner. Maybe too much stress. Some years later they somehow had this open up again, maybe with more details being found with the murder weapon? It was a bat. He was bludgeoned with a bat, by her affair partner, while he slept. I think she was in the other room and called the police as soon as her partner was out of the area, and then said something about how the “robbers” tied her up and threw her on the floor but left her alone otherwise. Anyway, I’m not sure what exactly happened but police somehow figured out the affair partner was connected. As it was years later and he wasn’t with her anymore, he immediately told them it was not a robbery and he murdered this man at the command of his wife. I think he got a reduced sentence for that. So they eventually came looking for her as well. They showed up at her house with her family and new husband of several years (my dentist), asked if she is who they think she is, and they told her she’s under arrest for the murder of her first husband. There’s a documentary about this called something like “a knock at the door” or something, it’s what I saw years ago as a kid and then as an adult had this woman’s husband as my dentist! But knowing him personally to be one of the kindest, gentlest, most friendly people ever… can you imagine being at home having dinner with your family and the police knock on your door and arrest your wife right in front of you for KILLING her husband from 20 years ago??? It was the first he ever heard of it! He found out on the spot! I can’t even imagine! 😭 I think she may still be in prison, or at least I hope so. That was just a day she had been granted without supervision with her family, but idk, I haven’t kept up. She may very well be out. She too said it was against her religion to divorce. So murder is better! 🥴 What a nut!

this is JUICY - i suspected denise the second you said she had no interest in looking further into her husband’s disappearance. great video, and happy new year, bella!

I'm from Tallahassee and this case is well known locally. It's heartbreaking. Thanks for covering it.

As soon as the topic of an alligator eating him I’m like nope too cold! I went to FL for Christmas and we barely saw any in their regular spots because it was too cold (and it was Tshirt weather!)

Bella is right on about small changes. I was inspired to organize my entire house by straightening out the bathroom. I know it's commentary on the deodorant, but it's so true about making small changes. Thanks for the video Bella, and yes, I will focus on small changes, because I know they work.

I just went on my lunch break i’m so glad i caught this upload!!!

Avid watcher of your Mystery Mondays over the years (love when I get notified of a new one!) but I just wanted to say it’s great to see you’ve partnered with Wild! I tried natural deodorant before and this is the first one I’ve used that doesn’t make me smell at all - I’ve never looked back!

The victims mother is absolutely inspirational. She loved her son so much. Everyone deserves such a loving mother.

Nice to hear your pleasant voice tell the story of another appalling crime. (If you wear a copper infused t shirt your armpits don’t smell) copper is anti bacterial, hope this helps. Hard to believe you can tell such crime stories you seem too innocent, hope your stay in the u.k is a happy one,much love ✌️❤️🇬🇧

these cases blow my mind how so many red flags are just clearly ignored!!! so infuriating!! so strange how kathy when questioned said she ‘suspected’ an affair between denise and her husband but then they were seen in brian’s explicit pictures all together?😭 wish they looked into the affair sooner, could’ve brought mike’s mum closure much sooner😢

Wow the wife not wanting to look into his death is super suspicious.

just watched the whole thing, this was a rollercoaster

Cheryl is an absolute queen

Thank you for your consistency and awareness of cases ❤

God bless Mike’s mom! Nothing really compares to a love of a mother. She never gave up. Rip to Mike. Such a tragic ending. 😭

Happy New Year, Bellaaaa!! Thank you for covering this. I’ve been suggesting this to so many true crime channels. Thanks thanks!!

Mikes mom in her piggie tails. 😭❤️ She is such a hero, her badass hard work got justice for her son.

I am so thankful his mother was still here to see this. Bless his family ❤

Happy New Year Bella!! ✨ Thank you for the consistent new videos!! Always make my day ❤❤

So glad this woman lived to see the day 🥺💔