BARTOW, Fla. (WFLA) — The woman who was found guilty in the murder of a Polk County deputy will now spend the rest of her life in prison.
On Friday, Cheryl Williams was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for second-degree murder, resisting an officer with violence, and three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. Williams chose not to speak in court.
She was found guilty of murdering Deputy Blane Lane, who was fatally shot when deputies, including Lane, attempted to serve her with an arrest warrant at her Polk City mobile home in October 2022.
At the time, Williams was wanted for failing to appear in court for a possession of methamphetamine charge.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported that Lane was positioned at the front of the home while two other deputies entered from the rear. As they cleared the rooms, Williams emerged from a back room holding a BB gun, prompting the deputies to fire at her.
A stray bullet fired by the deputies penetrated the home’s wall, striking Lane, who was stationed outside in front.
On Sept. 11, 2025, a jury found Williams guilty of murder and other charges after two hours of deliberation.
“Thank God, because I don’t have answers for why, but at least God did this one,” said Shellie Lane, Deputy Lane’s mother, following Williams’ conviction. “I wish I could say there’s relief, but it doesn’t bring him back.”
She will have 30 days to appeal the sentence.
