Lawrenceburg man enters guilty plea in Maury court

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Lawrenceburg Man Enters Guilty Plea In Maury Court

A Lawrenceburg man has entered a guilty plea in a Maury County courtroom in connection with a shooting earlier this year that resulted in attempted murder charges.

Terry Williams, 49, of Lawrenceburg, was originally charged with the crime of attempted first degree murder in connection with the January 19, 2008, shooting incident that left Mt. Pleasant resident Ben Sowell, 48, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.

Authorities allege that Williams, Sowell, and Williams’ brother, Brandon Williams, 29, had been involved in a relationship that involved the sale of cocaine. They allege that Terry Williams believed Sowell had stolen $80 from him, and that the brothers had transported Sowell to an isolated location to discuss the matter. Terry Williams was reportedly holding a firearm and authorities allege that Sowell had grabbed the gun when it was fired, striking him in the chest.

Following the shooting, authorities report Sowell made his way to Maury Regional Hospital for treatment. There, they report he identified Williams as the individual who had shot him.

Terry Williams appeared before Judge Robert Jones in Maury County Circuit Court Monday where he entered a guilty plea to the lesser charge of especially aggravated assault. Jones then ordered that Williams serve 10 ½ years incarcerated through the Tennessee Department of Corrections.

Since Williams was sentenced as a Range I offender he will be required to serve 30%, or 3 ½ years, of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole consideration. Williams has been incarcerated since the shooting, and officials indicate that he will be credited for time served.

Brandon Williams, who is also charged with the crime, has also been jailed since his arrest. Brandon Williams is currently serving a previous sentence because of a parole violation. Prosecutors expected Brandon Williams to accept a plea bargain agreement, as well. He was slated to appear in court Tuesday, June 24.