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Confessed killer takes plea deal, sentenced 30-60 years in beating death of a friend

Posted at 5:53 PM, Jul 29, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-30 06:41:21-04

DETROIT (WXYZ) — Billie Williams will serve 30 to 60 years in prison for the murder of a friend, Judith Mangrum, in southwest Detroit last November.

After his arrest he confessed. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. If he had gone to trial on first-degree murder charges he’d face an almost certain guilty verdict and automatic life without parole.

During the sentencing, a letter was read from Mangrum’s sister urging the judge to make sure Williams does not get any parole, saying he abused her before her death and he should never be around people again.

Mangrum was beaten to death with around seven different blows.

Williams did not comment during the sentencing. He’s been locked up since his arrest.

The judge can only impose the sentence. Any future parole would be decided by the state parole board at least 30 years down the road.