Second defendant on trial in fatal 2017 shooting
NEW BOSTON, Texas — Opening statements and testimony are expected to begin today for the second of three men accused in a fatal 2017 shooting in Texarkana, Texas.
Clarence Willis, 47, is facing a murder charge in the 2017 shooting death of 51-year-old Tony Sanders. Co-defendant Takyme James is serving a life sentence in the case. Charges remain pending against Willis’ brother, LaPrense Willis, who is set for trial later this year.
Witnesses at James’ trial in December last year testified James was belligerent and disruptive after becoming intoxicated at a gathering Dec. 3, 2017, in a private clubhouse on Lake Drive. Tony Sanders hosted the Sunday get-togethers, where people would meet to watch football, play cards, eat and drink.
When Sanders asked James to leave, James pushed Sanders, leading Sanders to deliver a few blows that left James with a black eye and cuts to his face. After Sanders pulled him up off the floor, James left the party and allegedly enlisted the help of brothers LaPrense Willis and Clarence Willis.
James and the brothers allegedly went to Sanders’ home in Texarkana, Texas. After one of the men allegedly kicked in the door, James fired a single shot from a .380 handgun that traveled through a wall and struck Sanders in an artery in his leg, causing him to quickly bleed to death despite the efforts of a police officer first on the scene.
Clarence Willis faces five to 99 years or life in prison if the jury chosen Tuesday to decide the case returns a guilty verdict.
Clarence Willis is represented by Texarkana lawyer Butch Dunbar. Prosecuting the case are First Assistant District Attorney Kelley Crisp and Assistant District Attorney Lauren Richards. Fifth District Judge Bill Miller is presiding over the trial.