POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Testimony has ended in the trial of a woman charged with murder in the death of a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy.
Deputy Blane Lane was hit by friendly fire while serving a search warrant in October 2022 at a home in Polk City.
Investigators said Cheryl Williams jumped out at deputies with a realistic-looking BB gun, causing deputies to open fire.
“Knowing the outcome of him being shot because of some lowlife…there’s just no words,” said Lane’s mother Shellie Lane.
Wednesday marked the second day of the trial, evoking deep emotions in court for Shellie Lane and her family, as several witnesses took the stand and an audio recording depicting the early hours of October 4, 2022, was presented.
“He was doing what he was meant to do and was passionate about, yet her actions have stopped him from being able to continue,” Shellie Lane expressed.
Sheriff officials said that around 2 a.m., Deputy Lane was assisting in serving a warrant to Williams at a mobile home.
Williams pointed a realistic-looking B-B gun at deputies, prompting them to open fire.
One of the bullets struck Lane in the arm, who was outside in a tactical position, and killed him.
“They would have not been there if she was a decent person and just followed the law,” Shellie Lane said.
Williams took the stand and provided brief testimony answering questions from both the defense and prosecution respectively when cross-examined.
“I have an outer injury, which is, from the right side also from the right side. I’ve been shot in my back, and it exited the front,” she said.
She also confirmed that she smoked marijuana moments before the incident and methamphetamine the day before.
“She shouldn’t be breathing. My kid shouldn’t be in the ground. She should be in the ground,” Shellie Lane said.
The defense motioned twice for a judgment of acquittal, citing what they deemed conflicting evidence.
The judge denied both motions.
8 On Your Side spoke with Lane’s grandfather, Darrel Sodders, “I went on a ride along with him, and I seen a man who treated people great,” he said.
Shellie Lane added he leaves behind three children, ages six, four, and two — he had not met the youngest.
“All three of them should know just how incredible their dad was,” Lane stated. “I want everyone to remember that Blane was a great kid who cherished his job. He loved preparing for it and would not have changed a thing because he was truly passionate about what he did.”
Closing arguments are scheduled to begin Thursday morning at 9 a.m.
