An Ypsilanti woman has been sentenced to 22 to 40 years in prison for shooting another woman at a baby shower in Detroit. Shawanda Woods, 44, was found guilty of second-degree murder and felony firearms charges in connection with the Oct. 15 death of 53-year-old Phebian Williams.
According Wayne County ProsecutorsThe tragic incident occurred after an argument between Woods and Williams escalated. Woods pulled out a gun and shot Williams in the neck. Police found Williams dead in the kitchen of a home in the 15600 block of Edmore Drive.
Woods was sentenced Friday to 20 to 40 years in prison on the second-degree murder charge, plus a consecutive two-year sentence on the felony firearms charge. After the shooting, Woods fled to the Detroit Police Department’s 9th District.
However, Williams’ son, Leandre Love, followed her and hit her with his car in the parking lot as she was exiting her vehicle. Woods was taken to the hospital in serious condition. Love was charged with attempted murder and felonious assault for his actions. He recently pleaded guilty to the felonious assault charge and is scheduled to be sentenced in September.
In the wake of the tragedy, Williams’ family was left to cope with their loss. “Phebe was a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and a loving person,” Williams’ daughter-in-law wrote in a GoFundMe Page Created to support the family.
“She was loved by everyone and will always be remembered for her generosity and her kind love for others.” Woods’ sentence brings some justice, but the loss of Phebian Williams has left an indelible mark on her family and community.