Serena Williams murder trial about to begin, Jermon Jefferson changes plea

Rapides Parish (Kalb), Louisiana – The move came as a surprise in Rapides Parish Court Thursday morning as the trial of Germon Jefferson, 27, of Alexandria was about to begin. He changed his plea to “guilty.”

Jefferson is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon in the Nov. 16, 2021, shooting death of 18-year-old Alexander Serena Williams at the Alexandria Apartments Shelter.

The Alexandria Police Department said Williams was killed when Jefferson fired multiple shots into a unit in the Lake Shore Drive complex where Williams lived. Her sister, with whom Jefferson shared a baby, was also in the apartment but survived.

After the shooting, Jefferson drove to River Bend Drive and attempted to shoot the two women’s brothers. The younger brother was not injured. Jefferson also led police on a chase but managed to escape. He was arrested two days later in Dallas.

As the jury was about to begin opening statements, Jefferson said he planned to accept a plea offer from the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office. The offer allowed him to plead guilty to attempted second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon.

He was sentenced to 35 years in prison on one count of attempted second-degree murder and 20 years on each count of unlawful use of a weapon. The sentence will be served consecutively for a total of 75 years without the possibility of probation, parole or probation.

“This was just the culmination of a lot of intense work between the defense and the victim, and we consulted with police, and it was just a good resolution to the case,” Assistant District Attorney Lea Hall said. “With the trial The certainty of a guilty plea is always better than the uncertainty of a guilty plea.”

Hall explained why Jefferson pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of attempted second-degree murder.

He said: “In fact, the penalty for attempted murder is heavier than that for manslaughter, and the sentence for attempted murder is not subject to probation, parole or probation.” “Manslaughter does not have this provision. “That’s where we go The reason for the road. “

We also heard from Jefferson’s defense attorney.

Glenn Cotello said: “We believe that given the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution and the jury selected, we believe it is in his best interest to continue to plead guilty.” Cotello also said that this is actually a good decision for Jefferson. It’s a life sentence: “That’s actually it.” That’s a very strong sentence. “

No victim impact statement was read and Jefferson did not comment.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Lea Hall and Kenneth Doggett, Jr. Jefferson is represented by attorneys Glenn Cortello and Harold Murry.

Judge Greg Beard presided.

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