CASE OF INTEREST

11/19/2002

Case: People v. Brandon Charles Williams

Contact: Marjorie Koller, DDA, Homicides
(916) 874-5873

Following a jury conviction of second-degree murder last month, Judge James Long today sentenced Brandon Charles Williams to 15 years to life in State Prison.

Williams was driving a stolen vehicle car-jacked in San Francisco. The suspect was reported to be armed and dangerous. A Sacramento police officer while on patrol spotted the car on Mack Road. Williams immediately attempted to evade the officer, traveling Highway 99 at speeds over 120 mph with his headlights off. His failed attempt to exit at Sheldon Road caused the vehicle to flip and burn, killing his passenger, 18-year-old Venus Foster and injuring the two other passengers.

Williams fled the scene, but was apprehended a short time later. The jury heard evidence of 2 prior convictions of evading peace officers as well as Williams' egregious driving conduct.

Said the prosecutor Marjorie Koller: "Evading a peace officer is outrageously dangerous, risking the lives of the public and police officers. The finding of second degree murder by the jury is appropriate."
 

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