Kelowna, British Columbia – A man from Kelowna, British Columbia, confessed on Tuesday to the killing of his roommate nearly three years ago. Lorence Williams, 43, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Thomas Chadwick on May 30, 2021, at 3451 Sexsmith Rd. This sudden admission brought an end to a second-degree murder trial that had spanned almost four weeks, according to the BC Prosecution Service.
Williams is expected to appear in court again on Wednesday, potentially to establish dates for further proceedings. The prosecution service representative indicated that a pre-sentence report had been ordered by the court, with the sentencing hearing likely to take place in June.
The tragic incident stemmed from Williams being evicted from his residence in May 2021, leading to a deteriorating relationship with his roommates, as per details shared in his second-degree murder trial. The landlord, Cornel Fisher, sought to have his girlfriend move in, prompting tensions to escalate within the household.
During the trial, Crown counsel Trevor Sicotte outlined how Williams’ relationships with Fisher and Chadwick soured rapidly, ultimately resulting in Chadwick’s death. Sicotte revealed that Williams and Chadwick engaged in a physical altercation on the night of the fatal incident, with evidence suggesting Chadwick was fatally struck with a piece of decorative wood.
In the aftermath, Williams was reported to have vandalized nearby vehicles by smashing their windows. Testimony from various law enforcement officials, including Const. Maro Kennedy, highlighted crucial details, such as Williams admitting to the murder during a recorded interview.
Moving forward, prior to the sentencing phase, an agreed-upon account of the tragic event is set to be presented in court for evaluation and consideration. The case continues to unravel, shedding light on the grave consequences of the dispute that transpired between Williams and his roommates.