Tarrant County Jury Deliberates Sentence for Leland Williams After Two‑Year‑Old Deputy Shooting

A Tarrant County jury is poised to decide the fate of Leland Williams, a Fort Worth man who shot a deputy two years ago, as sentencing hearings continue into Friday.

The Incident

In November 2023, Williams pulled a gun on a teller at the Fort Worth Community Credit Union. He then fired four shots at Tarrant County Sheriff’s Deputy Brent Brown, who was working an off‑duty security job at the time. Brown was hit twice and returned fire. Williams fled the scene and was later arrested at his mother’s house in Fort Worth.

Guilty Plea and Current Status

Earlier this week, Williams pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant. The plea does not eliminate the need for a sentencing hearing; the jury must still determine whether Williams should receive a life sentence or a lesser term.

Jury Deliberations

Jurors spent hours in the deliberation room Thursday weighing the severity of Williams’s actions. They considered whether a life sentence was warranted or if a lesser sentence would be more appropriate. The decision is expected to be announced Friday.

Deputy Brown’s Perspective

Deputy Brown watched the closing arguments from the courtroom. His attorneys urged the jurors to send a clear message that Tarrant County does not tolerate violence against law enforcement. Brown has been with the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office since 2011 and has returned to the warrant division after a year away.

Williams’ Defense

Williams’s attorneys argued that while he deserves some time behind bars, a life sentence would be disproportionate given that the incident was the “worst day of his life.” They emphasized that the sentence should reflect the broader context of his life and not solely the event.

Community Impact

The shooting has reverberated through the Fort Worth and Tarrant County communities. Residents and officials have expressed concern over the safety of law‑enforcement officers, especially those on off‑duty assignments. The case has sparked discussions about the protection of deputies and the legal consequences for those who threaten them.

Legal Context

Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant is a serious felony that can carry significant penalties, including life imprisonment. However, sentencing can vary based on mitigating factors, the defendant’s criminal history, and the circumstances surrounding the crime.

Key Takeaways

• Williams pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant.
• The jury will decide on a life sentence or a lesser term.
• Deputy Brown was shot twice but returned fire; he has been back on duty for a year.
• Williams’s defense stresses that the incident was an isolated event.

The outcome of the sentencing will be closely watched by law‑enforcement officials and the community alike. The jury’s decision will set a precedent for how Tarrant County handles future cases involving violence against deputies.

Closing

As the jury prepares to resume deliberations on Friday, all eyes remain on the courthouse. The case underscores the gravity of assaulting a public servant and the importance of a fair, balanced sentencing process.