Joshua Willis sentenced to two consecutive life terms for 2016 double murder

LAFAYETTE, Louisiana (KLF) – A Lafayette man was convicted Wednesday in a 2016 double murder. Joshua Willis was found guilty of murder of Ashley Metz and Brouklynn Hill. Metz and Hill were both found in separate burning vehicles, leading to the arrest of Willis and his accomplice, Joseph Sylvester, who testified against Willis as part of a plea deal.

The families of Metz and Hill were eagerly awaiting the opportunity to make their impact statements at the sentencing of Willis, who was convicted of the first- and second-degree murders of Metz and Hill. Carla Dean, Metz's mother, said Willis' conviction was a victory not only for her, but for her family.

The victims' families and the suspect shared their impact statements. However, Dean said she didn't want to hear what Willis had to say.

“I had no intention of listening because the damage was already done,” Dean said.

During Willis' statement, chaos broke out between a member of Metz's family and Willis' sister. The threat of being held in contempt of court brought order to the courtroom, allowing Willis to read his statement in which he apologized for the loss suffered by both families while maintaining his innocence. Willis said, “I will continue to maintain my innocence for my only son and my two daughters, and for everything else.”

“No apology could replace her or bring her back,” Dean told News 10 in an exclusive interview.

In an emotional statement, Hill's adopted sister Sharra Faith said she never thought she would find herself in a courtroom.

“He was everything to us. You took my soul that day, it hurt me,” she said.

Dean, who said Willis impacted his life in many ways, shared his statement saying, “You took my daughter. It's hard to live. You don't deserve to be outside of a cage.”

The district court judge closed all statements describing the horror of the crimes and told Willis: “Your actions have impacted two separate and distinct families.”

After all statements were made and the judge adjourned the hearing, Willis was led out of court to begin serving her two consecutive life sentences. Dean said she can now move forward.

“Thank God we got justice for her, which is what I always said I would do,” Dean said.

Recent articles