A Florida woman is facing decades behind bars after being found guilty of the death of a deputy, even though she did not fire the fatal shot.
Guilty Verdict
Cheryl Lynn Williams, 49, was convicted on all charges Thursday by a Polk County jury. The charges included second-degree murder, resisting an officer without violence, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of methamphetamine.
Deputy’s Death
In October 2022, Deputy Blane Lane, 21, was tragically killed during a police operation to arrest Williams at her Polk City residence. Williams was wanted for failing to appear in court on a drug possession charge at the time.
On October 4, around 3 a.m., Lane and three other officers arrived to serve the felony arrest warrant. Lane assumed a tactical position near the back of the residence while other deputies entered the house.
Williams, armed with what appeared to be a silver handgun (later determined to be a realistic-looking BB gun), was confronted by the officers. A barrage of gunfire followed, with Williams being struck twice and Lane being hit by a bullet that entered his arm and traveled into his chest.
He later died from the injuries at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center.
Sheriff’s Statement
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd expressed his grief and frustration, stating that Williams’ “outrageous criminal actions” led directly to the deputy’s death. He underscored the lasting impact on Lane’s family, who must now visit his grave instead of seeing him alive.
Emotional Reactions
While Williams showed little emotion during the trial, Lane’s mother expressed relief after the verdict, though acknowledging that it could never bring her son back. She said, “I would love to say there is a sign of relief — it doesn’t bring him back. So I’m glad she’s done. She is done.”
Although a sentencing date has not yet been scheduled, Williams faces the possibility of life in prison due to the second-degree murder conviction.
