COLUMBUS, Ohio — A woman was handed a sentence of 18 years to life in prison for the murder of her 21-year-old son earlier this year in east Columbus.
According to the Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, 45-year-old Laquandra Williams pleaded guilty to one count of murder and assault on Monday. She was subsequently sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 18 years.
The sentencing comes after an incident on Feb. 19, 2024, in the 2800 block of Drew Heights Place near Tussing Elementary School.
RELATED: Records: Mother fatally shoots 21-year-old son after trying to stab him with knife in east Columbus
Witnesses told detectives at the scene that Williams grabbed a knife and attempted to stab Jahaad Hughes. Court records state that the witnesses tried to get the knife away from Williams, but Hughes was able to get it from her by himself.
Williams reportedly said, “I’m going to show you something,” and proceeded to go outside to their vehicle where witnesses said she kept her gun. The witnesses locked Williams out of the house.
A few minutes later, court records say Hughes decided to pack his bags and leave the house. As he was leaving, Williams got out of her car and shot him at close range.
When officers arrived at the scene, Hughes was found lying on the ground unresponsive. Williams approached the officers and told them she shot her son, according to court records.
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