OXFORD – (AP) A woman has been convicted of capital murder for running over and killing George County Sheriff Garry Welford in 2010.
Brandy Nicole Williams was convicted Monday by a jury in Lafayette County. Williams was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
Williams’ then-boyfriend, Christopher Lee Baxter, was convicted of capital murder in May. He, too, was sentenced to life without parole.
After the verdict was read, Williams turned to Welford’s family and apologized for her role in his death, The Mississippi Press reports.
“I’m sorry for everything,” the 21-year-old Lucedale native said between tears. “Not for me. Not for Chris. But for you, your daughters and your son.”
Williams was accused of driving the pickup truck that struck and killed Welford as she and Baxter fled from authorities on July 21, 2010. Baxter was wanted on an arrest warrant issued after he missed a sentencing date for drug convictions.
Defense lawyers argued that Williams didn’t intend to kill the sheriff and wasn’t even driving when he was struck.
Lawyer Vicki Gilliam called Baxter a “gang-banger” and “drug manufacturer” who “seized an opportunity to use a 17-year-old girl” who had a home, a vehicle and a cellphone. Baxter had two days earlier missed his court sentencing on two drug charges to which he pleaded guilty.
Lawyer Andre de Gruy said that Williams was in the passenger seat with her head down when the sheriff was hit. Baxter, a more experienced driver, had taken the wheel, he said.
But prosecutors argued that Williams initiated the pursuit that led to Welford’s death, citing testimony from the sheriff’s deputy who first tried to stop the vehicle. They said Williams – who was speeding, ignoring stop signs and running motorists off the road during the pursuit – was driving at the time of the collision.
“It’s been a long journey for the family,” George County District Attorney Tony Lawrence said after the verdict. “They’ve waited two years. They recognize (the verdict) is not going to bring Garry back … but it does give some closure.”
Williams’ tearful apology “does mean something” to the Welford family, Lawrence said.
Her defense lawyers said they intend to file a motion for a new trial and seek an appeal.
Baxter was called to the stand during the trial but declined to testify, citing his right to avoid self-incrimination.
Other defense witnesses, including Williams’ neighbor, cousin and boss, said Williams changed once she began dating Baxter, a man they said was extremely controlling.
Be the first to comment