In a horrifying turn of events, an abusive lodger has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his landlady, whom he tried to frame as a suicide victim.
James Hicks, 63, attempted to convince the police that Terri Jo Williams, 65, had taken her own life by presenting them with an old suicide note written years earlier, following the death of her young son.
On the day of her death, Williams had been in court seeking to evict Hicks from her Florida home.
Hicks was also set to face trial for assaulting her. Despite his claims of friendship with Williams, Hicks described finding the grandmother’s body in a fountain outside their shared Pensacola bungalow.
However, Hicks’ story unraveled when a pathologist revealed that Williams had not drowned but had been severely beaten and then asphyxiated. The pathologist’s findings included no water in her lungs, broken ribs, and bruising, which contradicted Hicks’ account.
He was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday.
Williams’ obituary revealed the deep impact of her loss.
Her friend Melanie Wright wrote, “Love you always girl, rest in paradise. You finally have Jason in your arms again.”
The Suicide Note Hoax
In a desperate attempt to avoid suspicion, Hicks later presented a partial suicide note he claimed to have found in Williams’ laundry room. The note was intended to support his false narrative.
However, investigators had already found the complete note, which included a line about her deceased son, Jason. Hicks had deliberately removed this part of the note to back up his fabricated story.
Assistant State Attorney Matt Gordon revealed that Hicks had intentionally altered the note to mislead the authorities, hoping to make it appear that Williams had taken her own life.
Troubling Background and Final Moments
Williams had met Hicks while working at a Publix supermarket and had offered him a room in her home. Despite their long-term living arrangement, Williams had been trying to evict Hicks due to his abusive behavior.
A journal found in her home documented several physical attacks by Hicks. Yet, Hicks’ phone only contained two messages exchanged between them, contrary to his claim of frequent communication.
Neighbors reported frequent arguments and described Hicks as abusive.
The forensic investigation showed significant injuries, including bruising and broken ribs, indicating that Williams had been physically assaulted before her death.
Remembering Terri Jo Williams
Williams, who left behind two sons and five grandchildren, was remembered fondly by her family.
They described her as strong, funny, hardworking, and loving.
Her obituary highlighted her pride in her children and grandchildren, and her deep connection to animals and nature, reflected in her collection of Native American keepsakes.
In their tribute, her family noted her compassionate nature and the loving home she provided for any stray animal that crossed her path.
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