Charles Andrew ‘Andy’ Williams, 39, was sentenced to 50-years-to-life in prison for the shooting at Santana High School however now the classroom killer could walk free
A school shooter who killed two children in 2001 could soon be released after a judge wiped out his life sentence – sparking outrage among the victims’ families.
Charles Andrew “Andy” Williams was handed a 50-years-to-life prison sentence for fatally shooting Bryan Zuckor, 14, and Randy Gordon, 17, and injuring 13 other students and teachers at Santana High School, California, on 5 March 2001.
However Superior Court Judge Lisa Rodriguez ruled on Tuesday he could be resentenced under a law which allows this provision for juvenile defendants who have served at least 15 years of a life without parole sentence. Since Williams, now 39, was 15 at the time of the shooting, his case would be tried in juvenile court, meaning he could be freed at his next sentencing hearing.
This decision comes despite Williams being deemed unsuitable for release by a state parole board just two years ago, on the grounds that he still posed a risk to public safety.
Williams broke down in tears in his cell as he appeared via video-link in the courtroom where the decision was made. However, members of the community have voiced their opposition to his potential release.
Michelle Davis, who was a senior at the time of the shooting, said she is still haunted by the incident and worries for her own children who are now attending the same school. Recalling the traumatic event, she told NBC7: “I remember it very well. It was very terrifying.
“Everybody came running to us, you heard a pop, you see kids’ blood running. He knew what choice he made when he made it. Why is it different now? You know what right from wrong is whether you’re 15 or 42.”
Jennifer Mora, a parent and former student, spoke about the lasting impact of the shooting on the community. She said: “We all lived it, we grew up here. We get scared for our kids to be in school now because something like that happened in Santana.”
Prosecutors have pledged to oppose Williams’ release at his upcoming sentencing hearing. San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said: “As prosecutors, our duty is to ensure justice for victims and protect public safety.
“The defendant’s cruel actions in this case continue to warrant the 50-years-to-life sentence that was imposed. We respectfully disagree with the court’s decision and will continue our legal fight in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court if need be.”
Deputy District Attorney Nicole Roth has contended Williams was not sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, so his case should not even be under consideration for re-sentencing.
She pointed out that the judge in his original sentencing chose to give him 50-years-to-life so that he would have some chance of parole.
Laura Sheppard, Williams’ lawyer, argued that recent case law suggests prison terms of 50-years-to-life are effectively the same as life without parole.
Judge Rodriguez concurred with Sheppard’s argument that these sentences are equivalent, as the duration of the prison terms does not provide a chance to reform and reintegrate into society, which is the purpose of the law.
Williams expressed his remorse for his “violent and inexcusable” crimes through a statement read by his lawyer at the parole hearing. He said: “I had no right to barge into the lives of my victims, to blame them for my own suffering and the callous choices I made.
I had no right to inflict the loss of life, pain, terror, confusion, fear, trauma, and financial burden that I caused. I am sorry for the physical scars and for the psychological scars I created, and for the lives and families that I ripped a hole in.
“It is my intention to live a life of service and amends, to honour those I killed and those I harmed, and to put proof behind my words of remorse. I wish so badly that I could undo all the hurt and terror I put you through. With the deepest remorse, I am forever sorry.”