A jury returned a guilty verdict late Monday afternoon in the murder trial of Amanda Williams. Her fiancé, Tirrell Edwards, of Warrensville Heights, was accused of killing her last October but has claimed self-defense since the shooting.
You can watch the verdict announcement in the player below:
Edwards was found guilty on five of six counts:
- Not guilty of aggravated murder
- Guilty of two counts of murder
- Guilty of two counts of felonious assault
- Guilty of domestic violence
“Justice did prevail in my opinion today, and for that, I'm grateful,” said Dr. R.A. Vernon, senior pastor of The Word Church.
Although Vernon calls this a victory, he says Williams’ presence is still missed by all.
“Nothing's going to bring Amanda back,” said Vernon. “You know, nothing fixes that.”
Williams' family issued the following statement after the verdict was read:
“The family is extremely grateful for the dedication and care shown by Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C O'Malley from the beginning. They also recognize the tireless effort by Assistant Prosecutors Kevin Filiatraut and Margaret Graham who presented the case to the jury. Aided by the thorough investigation of Lieutenant Johnson of the Warrensville Heights Police Department, the jury was able to deliver the needed accountability for Amanda's senseless murder. The family will reserve further statement for Court at the time of sentencing.”
Warrensville Heights Police responded to Williams’ house late on the evening of Oct. 9, 2023, for a reported domestic incident. Officers found the 46-year-old unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. They detained Edwards for questioning, and he was later released when the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office found insufficient evidence to charge him with a crime.
After several weeks of outcry from family, friends and community members, a grand jury indicted Edwards on charges in early November. He turned himself in to authorities the following day.
Vernon tells News 5 that he believes their rally played a significant part.
“Made people take us serious, including Prosecutor O’Malley, that the weight of that ministry could have made some real noise that justice wasn't served,” said Vernon.
RELATED: Warrensville Heights man on trial for death of fiancée Amanda Williams claiming self-defense
Last Friday was a pivotal day in the courtroom, as Edwards took the stand in his defense, claiming Williams lunged at him with a knife that night. He told the jury when he shot her, he had no choice.
Still, this wasn’t enough for the jury to side with his self-defense claim.
“I would like for women to learn from this, that domestic violence is real, and one time is enough, and you can lose your life by staying too long,” said Vernon.
Edwards will be sentenced at a later date.
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