Defense argues against life sentence for man who shot Tarrant County deputy

Defense argues against life for man who shot deputy

A Tarrant County jury is set to deliberate on a possible life sentence for Leland Williams, who pleaded guilty to shooting a deputy, following testimony from the defendant, victims' families, and law enforcement.

FORT WORTH, Texas - Prosecutors argued Leland Williams isn't sorry for what he did, and they are pushing for Williams to spend life in prison. Meanwhile, Williams' defense team says he doesn't deserve his life to be thrown away.

Williams testified today and was very talkative when he took the stand, saying he was ready to face the consequence, but he hopes that consequence isn't life.

Defendant takes the stand

What we know:

Tarrant County sheriff, Bill Waybourn, sat in on Wednesday for the punishment trial of Leland Williams.

Williams has already pleaded guilty to aggravated assault of a peace officer and life in prison is a possible punishment, but how long Williams will serve is still up to a jury. Williams took the stand on Wednesday afternoon, acknowledging he's ready to do time, but he doesn't believe he should spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Williams testified on Wednesday that he was under the influence of Xanax and alcohol that day in November 2023, when he shot Tarrant County deputy Brent Brown twice while he was working security at a Fort Worth credit union.

Surveillance video showed Williams opening fire in the lobby and Deputy Brown shooting back.

Williams was taken into custody in a nearby neighborhood after a brief standoff.

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Prosecutors challenge defendant's remorse

Local perspective:

Two years later in court, Tarrant County prosecutors showed body camera footage from that day, showing Williams making bizarre comments and even laughing during the arrest.

The state called multiple officers to the stand.

One officer was asked "if he thought Williams was taking all of this seriously."

To which he replied, "No."

Victim and family deliver emotional impact

Employees from the credit union also testified how terrified they were for their safety. Plus, the fear they still face going to work.

Last to take the stand on Wednesday was Deputy Brown's parents. Answering emotionally, Brown's mom and dad told the court how, at first, they didn't know if their son would survive and are still concerned for their safety to this day while out in public.