Trial begins for Gwinnett County man accused of killing neighbor in accidental shooting

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA. – Trial is set to begin for a Gwinnett County man accused of firing a stray bullet that killed his next-door neighbor.

Maxwell Williamson, 25, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving in the death of 36-year-old Carlether Foley.

Police said Williamson accidentally fired his gun while cleaning the gun inside his Duluth apartment just before midnight on September 25, 2021.

The bullet reportedly went through the wall and hit the Gwinnett County mother in the head as she slept.

Maxwell Williamson

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Maxwell Williamson

(Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office)

Foley’s 17-year-old son then found his mother unconscious in bed and called for help. He is expected to testify at the trial.

Williamson has been held in the Gwinnett County Jail without bond since the shooting.

The trial is scheduled to begin Monday at the Gwinnett County Courthouse at 9 a.m.

Family remembers Carlether Foley

Carlether Foley with his friends

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Speaking to FOX 5 after the deadly shooting, George Foley, the victim’s brother, said his family was shocked by his death.

The mother and son moved from Houston, Texas, to the Atlanta metro area two years ago, and were known as the life of the party.

“She was full of life and fun. She was always smiling. One thing about Carlether was she was a go-getter,” Foley said.

“If you have a gun and you’re staying in an apartment, you have to be careful what you do because some lives can be turned upside down. Our lives have been turned upside down,” Foley said.