The families of Metz and Hill anxiously awaited to give their impact statements at the sentencing of Willis, who was convicted in the first-degree and second-degree murders of both Metz and Hill. Carla Dean, the mother of Metz, said Willis' sentencing is a victory not only for her, but also her family.
LAFAYETTE, La (KLFY)-- A Lafayette man was sentenced Wednesday for a 2016 double murder. Joshua Willis was convicted of killing of Ashley Metz and Brouklynn Hill. Both Metz and Hill were found in separate burning vehicles leading to the arrest of Willis and his accomplice, Joseph Sylvester, who testified against Willis in a plea agreement.
The families of Metz and Hill anxiously awaited to give their impact statements at the sentencing of Willis, who was convicted in the first-degree and second-degree murders of both Metz and Hill. Carla Dean, the mother of Metz, said Willis' sentencing is a victory not only for her, but also her family.
Impact statements where shared by the victim's families and the suspect. However, Dean said she did not want to hear what Willis had to say.
"I had no intentions on listening because the damage has already been done," Dean said.
During Willis' statement, chaos erupted between a family member of Metz, and the sister of Willis. The threat of being held in contempt, brought order to the court allowing Willis to read his statement where he apologized for the loss both families endured while maintaining his innocence. Willis said "I shall continue to maintain my innocence for my only son and two daughters, and everything else."
"There's no apology that could replace or bring her back," Dean told News 10 in an exclusive interview.
In an emotional statement, Sharra Foi, the adopted sister of Hill, said she never thought she would be in a courtroom.
"He was everything to us. You took my soul that day, that hurt," she said.
Dean, who said Willis impacted her life in several ways shared her statement saying "You took my daughter. It's been hard living. You do not deserve to be outside of a cage."
The district court judge closed all statement describing how heinous the crimes were and told Willis, "Your actions have impacted two separate and distinct families."
After all statements were given and the judge dismissed the court, Willis was taken out of the courthouse to begin serving his two consecutive life sentences. Dean said she can now move forward.
"Thank God that we got justice for her, which is what I always said I would do," Dean said.
