Kelowna, British Columbia – A man from Kelowna, British Columbia, confessed on Tuesday to the killing of his roommate nearly three years ago. Lorence Williams, 43, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter death of Thomas Chadwick on May 30, 2021 at 3451 Sexsmith Rd. The sudden admission brought an end to a second-degree murder trial that lasted for around four weeks, confirmed the BC Prosecution Service. “A pre-sentence report was ordered by the court,” a prosecution service representative stated. “The sentencing hearing is likely to be held in June.”
Williams is expected to appear in court on Wednesday to potentially finalize dates. The incident unfolded when Williams was being evicted from his residence in May 2021, resulting in a fatal altercation with his roommates, as detailed to the jury during his second-degree murder trial. Crown counsel Trevor Sicotte disclosed evidence supporting the argument that Williams had been evicted from a basement bedroom he was renting in a home on Sexsmith Road for several months by the landlord, Cornel Fisher.
Fisher’s decision to bring his girlfriend into the residence triggered escalating tensions leading to tragic consequences. According to Sicotte, Williams’ relationship with Fisher and roommate Chadwick deteriorated rapidly, ultimately culminating in Chadwick’s death. Testifying to jurors, Sicotte revealed that Williams and Chadwick engaged in a physical altercation the night of the fatal incident, with evidence indicating that Chadwick was bludgeoned with a decorative wooden piece.
Moreover, Sicotte expressed his intention to demonstrate that Williams proceeded to vandalize nearby vehicles by smashing their windows. In the subsequent weeks, various law enforcement officers provided testimonies, including a police officer who recorded an interview with Williams confessing, “I’ve committed a murder.” Const. Maro Kennedy faced questioning from Williams’ defense lawyer, Michael Patterson, regarding the lack of specifics on the location and time of the alleged murder in the confession.
Before the sentencing phase commences, a detailed account of the incident agreed upon by both parties will be presented to the court. This account aims to provide clarity and closure for all involved in the tragic events that transpired.