Teenager sentenced for 2023 shooting at Appleton’s Erb Park
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – The teenager who was accused of shooting a victim at Erb Park in Appleton was in court for his sentencing.
17-year-old Cashmere Williams who was charged with attempted homicide for his role in a shooting at Erb Park was sentenced on June 21. Williams was sentenced to 14 years in prison and will also spend 16 years on extended supervision.
“It was very foolish to do the things that I did and I deeply apologize to the community,” Williams said in court shortly before getting sentenced.
Court records show that Williams pleaded no contest back in May.
Williams spoke ahead of the sentencing while in court and said he was sorry for his bad choices. The judge said he hopes Williams gets the help he needs while in prison.
Williams said he had a difficult childhood and faced hunger and an adult in his life who beat him. He said he got bullied frequently as well.
Williams said that the day before the shooting he got beat up by a group. He said the next day, he saw one of those involved in Erb Park and snapped and began shooting the gun he had with him.
“My choices are the reason why I’m being punished worse than others, I’m okay with that and accept everything coming to me,” said Williams. “I’m sorry for my bad choices.”
He got increasingly more emotional as he spoke in court saying he’s learned his lesson, won’t commit any more crimes, and that he wants to be there for his family once he gets out of prison.
The shooting happened back in July 2023. Authorities described the incident as ‘targeted’. The criminal complaint said that Williams approached the victim from behind and started to shoot a semi-automatic pistol.
Outagamie County Judge Mark McGinnis said he considered Williams tough childhood and the fact that he got beaten up the day before when deciding the sentence he’d impose. However, he said he has to consider the danger that Williams poses to the community.
“When somebody pulls out a firearm at a public park in Appleton Wisconsin on a summer day in broad daylight that’s very dangerous and concerning,” said the judge. “We’re not here because you’re a victim of the beating, we’re here because you responded to that situation in a way that was dangerous, violent, unacceptable.”
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
