An Augusta man who fired on two different occupied vehicles was sentenced to 10 years in prison Thursday, Aug. 18.
Tayvoun Williams, 23, pleaded guilty in Richmond County Superior Court to six counts of aggravated assault and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. The charges were lodged against Williams in two different indictments.
On Nov. 6, 2019, Williams inserted himself into an argument two women were having and fired several gunshots at a vehicle. There was a 1-year-old baby in the car, said Assistant District Attorney Jarryd Brown. It was fortunate no one was shot, he said.
MORE: Deputies investigate Friday night shooting
Williams was out on bond in that case when he fired gunshots at another vehicle July 13, 2020, in a fit of road rage. In that case, the driver had her 16-year-old daughter in the vehicle. Again, the victims escaped physical injury.
Brown said he inherited the case from another prosecutor who had offered to recommend Williams receive no more than 10 years in prison.
Defense attorney Lucy Bell said Williams wanted to accept responsibility for his conduct. Williams is very smart and inquisitive, Bell said. He has also changed during the 25 months he has been held in jail. He has matured, she said. Williams was supported by his large family. His minister and cousin asked for the opportunity to work with Williams, serving as mentors to show him there is a way back from where he had been two years ago.
MORE: Two denied bond in drive-by shootings
Chief Judge Daniel J. Craig told Williams that his first impression of the charges led him to believe he would reject the negotiated plea, that 10 years in prison wasn’t enough for endangering lives. He came within inches of killing or wounding someone and spending the rest of his life in prison, Craig said.
But Craig said he believe those who spoke on his behalf will be there for Williams and that he does deserve the chance. Craig sentenced Williams to 10 years in prison followed by 10 years on probation. Williams will get credit for the time he has sent in jail.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.
