Cordell Williams was determined to improve his status in his gang. He thought that by executing 17-year-old, Joseph Malcolm White, just outside his home on Golfview Avenue in Bartow, he would strengthen his credibility within the gang. Williams lured the victim out of his apartment and shot him in the neck and left him to die. Williams not only took the life of his victim, but ruined his own life as well. This week, Williams was convicted for First Degree Murder and sentenced to Life in Prison. State Attorney Brian Haas thanks Assistant State Attorney Mark Levine, former Bartow Police Department Detective Cody Vaughn and the Bartow Police Department for their work on this case.

Deshon Morris, 27, was convicted by a Polk County Jury for Attempted Murder of the 1^st Degree. Morris drove up to a group of people playing dice near Edwin Street in Winter Haven. Morris fired multiple shots at the victim; hitting him twice in the back of the head. Thankfully, the victim survived and was able to recover. Morris faces Life in prison when sentenced on February 10^th. State Attorney Brian Haas thanks Assistant State Attorney Ralph Guerra and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for their persistence in seeking justice in this case.