Former Alameda Co. deputy sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for murder of Dublin couple

A former Alameda County sheriff's deputy was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for the 2022 murders of a couple with whom he was having a relationship, according to prosecutors.

Former correctional officer Devin Williams, who was sentenced in October Killings of 57-year-old Benison Tran and 42-year-old Maria TranThe Alameda County District Attorney's Office said in a statement Tuesday that he faces 25 years to life in prison for each murder count.

On September 7, 2022, Williams left work and went to the transgender home in Dublin. According to prosecutors, he shot the couple in the head and neck with his issued service weapon while family members of the victim were in the apartment.

Police said they heard six gunshots during an emergency call at the time of the crime.

According to the evidence and statements from Williams' father, Maria had a romantic relationship with the ex-MP while legally married to Benison. The transsexual had a teenage son.

The execution-style killings, as authorities described them, sparked local uproar.

“While this sentence provides some measure of justice for the Tran family, it does little to ease the grief and lasting impact of this deadly act of domestic violence,” said District Attorney Pamela Price.

In addition to his prison sentence, Williams must pay fines and restitution, including $12,818 for victims' funeral expenses.