REMEMBER Larissa
Larissa Barros
18 YEARS OLD ·
Poinciana,
Florida
Larissa Barros was an 18-year-old mother, student, athlete, and honors graduate whose future was already taking shape. She was preparing to graduate third in her class at Liberty High School with a 4.5 GPA and planned to attend Florida State University. Friends remembered her determination and the way she encouraged the people around her to strive for more. Two weeks after her death, Larissa's mother carried her young son across the graduation stage to accept the diploma she had earned.
Larissa was balancing high school with motherhood while excelling academically. She was also remembered as an athlete and teammate. Her friend Celimette Cordero described her as being like “a superwoman” because of everything she managed at once. Larissa had been accepted to Florida State University and was preparing for a new chapter after graduation.
THE RECORD
On May 11, 2017, Larissa called 911 from her family’s Poinciana home and reported that a man she knew was attempting to enter the home and was armed. Deputies responding to the call encountered her former boyfriend, Kai Williams, nearby. Authorities reported that Williams shot himself as deputies attempted to make contact with him. Larissa was subsequently found inside the home with a fatal gunshot wound. Investigators said the circumstances indicated a murder-suicide. WESH
RELATIONSHIP CONTEXT
Former intimate partner / father of her child
Williams was Larissa's former boyfriend and the father of her young son. Public reporting and court records described an extensive history of unwanted contact and prior legal intervention before Larissa's death
Larissa and Williams had previously been in a relationship and shared a young son. By 2017, they were separated, and court records documented repeated efforts by Larissa and her family to restrict his contact with her.
Reporting based on court and arrest records described incidents including threatening communications, repeated unwanted contact, slashing Larissa's vehicle tires, and setting her vehicle on fire. Williams had previously faced aggravated-stalking and restraining-order-related charges. Larissa and her mother sought domestic-violence injunctions, and Larissa reported violations of restrictions on contact. WESH
In a January 2017 injunction request, Larissa described feeling unsafe and expressed fear that Williams might harm her or her child. She also documented that he had posted video of himself inside a gun shop.
CHILDREN / ADDITIONAL VICTIMS
CHILDREN PRESENT — DOCUMENTED YES
PATTERNS DOCUMENTED IN AVAILABLE RECORDS
These indicators reflect what could be established from available sources. Absence from this list does not establish that a behavior did not occur.
TIMELINE
September
2016
Prior stalking and property-related incidents
Public reporting based on court and arrest records describes incidents involving unwanted contact and damage to Larissa's property during this period.
December
2016
Unwanted contact reported
Larissa reported additional unwanted contact despite restrictions on communication.
January
2017
Additional protection sought
Larissa sought additional legal protection and documented repeated attempts by Williams to contact or approach her. In court records reported by local media, she expressed fear for herself and her child.
March
2017
Preparing for graduation and college
Larissa was preparing to graduate from Liberty High School, where she ranked third in her class, and planned to attend Florida State University.
Fatal incident
Larissa called 911 reporting that an armed person known to her was attempting to enter her home. She was subsequently found fatally shot. Williams died by suicide after deputies encountered him nearby. Authorities investigated the deaths as a murder-suicide.
Larissa honored at graduation
Liberty High School honored Larissa at graduation. Her mother carried Larissa's young son across the stage to receive the diploma Larissa had earned.
LEGAL / SYSTEM RESPONSE
Public reporting based on court and arrest records documents multiple contacts with the legal system before Larissa's death. Williams had previously been arrested in connection with allegations involving aggravated stalking and damage to Larissa's property. Larissa and her mother also sought legal protection, and court records documented restrictions on Williams contacting Larissa. Reporting further described alleged violations of those restrictions and additional attempts by Larissa to obtain protection.
SOURCES
Slain Liberty High student took right steps to avoid her abuser, records show
ClickOrlando
Teen Mom Killed in Poinciana Was 'Like a Super Woman,' Friends Say During Candlelight Vigil
WFTV
Slain Liberty High Student's Mother, Son Walk in Her Place at Graduation
ClickOrlando / WKMG
REMEMBER Larissa.
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