WNBA Player Hit With Nine Domestic Violence Charges

(VitalNews.org) – Riquina Williams, 33, has been removed from her basketball team, the Las Vegas Aces, after being arrested on multiple charges of domestic violence against her wife, who has not been named. Williams faces four misdemeanor charges and five felony charges relating to alleged acts of violence against her wife of just a year.

The shooting guard and 2015 All-Star has been accused of physically assaulting her wife after an argument broke out at their home in the South Highlands area of Las Vegas. Her wife reportedly asked for a divorce, at which point the basketball veteran became enraged and allegedly used her hands to choke her, as well as using a metal stand and a large candle as weapons in an attempt to stop her victim from escaping.

Williams’ wife told police that the assault began at 3 am on Tuesday, July 25th, and lasted up to an hour, only ending when Williams left their shared residence. She allegedly took her wife’s credit cards, ID, and cell phone when she left. She returned later that morning, and the pair argued again. Williams was arrested later on Tuesday while working out at a gym.

Despite the violent nature of the charges, Judge Rebecca Saxe released her without bail due to her lack of a criminal record and due to her ties to the local area. Williams’ public defender argued that she would not pose a threat to her alleged victim as the alleged victim had left the family home. Williams was released until her next court appearance on August 2nd, but on the condition that she be placed on alcohol monitoring.

Although Williams does not have any prior convictions, she has been arrested for violent acts in the past. In 2019, she was arrested for forcing her way into a house, hitting her then-girlfriend in the head, and threatening a man with a firearm. The WNBA placed Williams on a ten-game suspension, but prosecutors ultimately dropped the case. Her current team, the Las Vegas Aces, has released a statement condemning domestic violence in all its forms, and the WNBA has said that it is monitoring the situation.