Rocky Top, TN – A Tennessee man will spend 30 years in prison for killing his mother after an argument over his cellphone privileges. On Monday, Shawn Tyler Willis, 21, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the shocking crime that took place on April 20, 2020.
Man Kills Sleeping Mother Over Cellphone Privileges
According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department, Sandy K. Willis, 42, was found dead in her bed at her home in Rocky Top, a small town located about 26 miles northwest of Knoxville, Tennessee. She had been shot at close range on the left side of her head while she slept, with her own gun.
The victim’s son, Shawn Willis, was the primary suspect in the case. Willis, who was only 16 years old at the time of the crime, was eventually arrested after giving investigators several conflicting stories about his mother’s death. Despite his initial attempts to conceal the truth, he later confessed to the murder during an interview with Detective Don Scuglia.
Details of the Crime
Willis admitted that he shot his mother after she took away his cellphone. According to court documents, Willis had been upset about losing access to his phone, and after a brief protest, his mother went upstairs and went to sleep.
At that point, Willis retrieved his mother’s pistol from her nightstand, took it downstairs to load it quietly, and then returned to his mother’s room. He positioned himself alongside her bed and fired two shots at close range, killing her instantly.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
On Monday, Shawn Tyler Willis pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for prosecutors reducing the charge from first-degree murder. In Tennessee, second-degree murder typically carries a sentence of 15 to 25 years, but in this case, Willis was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Parole is typically possible after serving at least 10 years, but in this case, Willis will serve 100% of his sentence, according to District Attorney General Dave Clark.
Impact on the Family and Community
The family of Sandy Willis was present during the sentencing hearing and expressed relief at the resolution of the case. The prosecutor’s office noted that the case was heavily influenced by the state’s restrictions on juvenile murder sentences, as Willis was underage at the time of the crime.
While the family acknowledged that justice had been served, they also mourned the loss of Sandy, who was remembered fondly in her obituary for her love of horses, butterflies, flowers, and most importantly, her family.
“This shocking crime demanded justice, and I am happy that it has been resolved as well as the law will allow,” said District Attorney General Dave Clark.
A Community Shaken by a Horrific Crime
Rocky Top residents and Sandy Willis’s friends have been left in shock by the senseless killing. Despite the resolution of the case, the pain felt by the victim’s family will be long-lasting, as this tragedy has left an indelible mark on the community.
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