Leland Williams in court
FORT WORTH, Texas - The man who shot a Tarrant County sheriff's deputy two years ago will soon learn his fate.
The jury began deliberations around 1:30 p.m. Thursday. They are deciding the punishment for the gunman who shot and seriously injured an off-duty deputy inside a Fort Worth credit union in 2023.
Leland Williams trial continues
What's new:
Leland Williams was seen sitting with his attorneys in a Tarrant County court Thursday. Previously, he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault against a peace officer.
The proceedings Thursday began with closing arguments. The state urged the jury to return the maximum life sentence. The defense asked for a lighter sentence, calling Williams remorseful.
Deputy Brent Brown, a 14-year veteran with the Tarrant County sheriff’s department, was in court Thursday for this final phase. He is back at work on full-duty after two major surgeries and an emotional recovery.
On Wednesday, the defense indicated to the jury during punishment phase testimony that he deserves prison time, but not life in prison.
Defense argues against life sentence for man who shot Tarrant County 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.
Defense asks for lighter sentence
What they're saying:
"He did a terrible thing, and he needs to be punished for it, and not a slap on the wrist. But it’s also not life in prison," said defense attorney J. Eric Nichols.
Tarrant County deputy shooting
The backstory:
It was November 2023 at the Fort Worth Community Credit Union on Brentwood Stair Road. Williams appeared on the bank’s surveillance video, apparently agitated, and at one point he walked out, then returned.
Tarrant County deputy recovering after Fort Worth credit union shooting, suspect's bond increased
An off-duty Tarrant County deputy who was shot twice while working security at a Fort Worth credit union is recovering in the hospital. Meanwhile, the man accused of shooting him is facing serious charges.
He was seen pacing, and ultimately approaching Brown, who he had spoken to briefly moments before he opened fire.
The Source: Information in this article comes from FOX 4 coverage at a Tarrant County court hearing.