POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County woman has been found guilty in connection to the death of a young deputy who was fatally shot by friendly fire during a 2022 drug raid at her residence, Local 12 reported.
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Cheryl Lynn Williams was convicted on Sept. 11 of second-degree murder, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer without violence and two drug and weapons-related charges, according to the report. The verdict follows the death of 21-year-old Deputy Blane Lane, who was killed during a confrontation at Williams’ home on Oct. 4, 2022.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived at the residence to arrest Williams, who had an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court on a prior methamphetamine possession charge. Williams had a lengthy criminal history, including 11 felony and four misdemeanor convictions, and had served nine years in state prison for meth trafficking.
When deputies arrived, witnesses pointed them toward the rear of the property. A sergeant and two deputies entered the home, while Lane maintained a tactical position near the front door.
As officers entered the building, Williams reportedly emerged holding a silver handgun, which authorities say she immediately pointed at them. In response, deputies fired. Unbeknownst to them, Lane, positioned outside, was struck by a bullet during the gunfire exchange.
Investigators later determined that the weapon Williams was holding was a realistic-looking BB gun. Both she and Lane were transported to the hospital. Williams survived. Lane, who had joined the department just nine months earlier, died from his injuries.
“This suspect’s outrageous criminal actions were the cause of my deputy being killed in the line of duty, and the jury appropriately found her guilty as charged,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “Her family can visit her in prison, but
Blane’s family has to visit his grave in a cemetery and can only have a one-sided conversation with him. We will never forget Deputy Blane Lane, and his family remains in our prayers.”
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