Livingston, March 10, 2016: 39 year old Christopher Noel Williams sits in court during punishment phase of his murder trial. A Polk County Jury handed down a life sentence (Williams' attorney, Jim Keegan is pictured at right).
Jury Hands Down Life in Prison to Christopher Williams, LIVINGSTON, March 10, 2016 - A Polk County Jury deliberated for a little of an hour today (03/10/16) during the punishment phase for Christopher Noel Williams, 39, of Scenic Loop, and handed down the maximum punishment of life in prison at the Texas Department of Corrections. Williams was found guilty the previous day of the 2015 murder of 25 year old Andrea Piwko. According to evidence presented in the case by prosecutor Kari Allen, Williams beat Piwko to death as evidence showed that he struck her at least 90 times. During testimony of the punishment phase, deputies with the Polk County Sheriff's Office spoke about Williams' violent behavior in which Williams would use extreme profanity, jump into the air and kick walls and doors. He threatened one of the jailers with physical violence. Williams' step mother took the stand and recounted how she tried to help Williams get on his feet by allowing him to live at her house and how he eventually threatened to burn her house down with her in it. She eluded to Prosecutor Allen that this was very disturbing to her. In July of 2015, Williams signed a lease agreement at the LakeView Cabins as he and his girlfriend (Andrea Piwko) moved in. In less than a month after moving in, in an apparent jealous rage, Williams beat Piwko to death.
Williams also has a previous history in the State of New Mexico in which he served prison time after being found guilty of burglary of a motor vehicle and, among other things, theft of a credit card.
District Judge, Kaycee Jones instructed Williams to stand as she read the verdict of life in prison after it was handed down by the jury. Williams' demeanor and body language reflected that he didn't care. During the entire proceeding, Williams appeared aloof and bored and showed no signs of remorse for his actions.
After sentence was handed down, Andrea Piwko's brother-in-law, sister, father and mother each read impact statements to the courtroom. In an amazing show of Christianity, each one of them after explaining the pain, anger, and complexities of having lost a loved one to a violent murder, expressed that they hoped that during Williams' remaining time on earth that he would seek forgiveness for his sins and find Jesus.
Christopher Williams will be eligible for parole after 30 years.
During the punishment phase of Williams' trial, Zita the crime victim's support dog was on hand to help keep things in order.
Christopher Noel Williams, 39, of Scenic Loop
Scenic Loop Man Found Guilty of Murder, LIVINGSTON, March 9, 2016 - A Polk County Jury found a Scenic Loop man guilty of murder today (03/09/16). Christopher Noel Williams, 39, of Scenic Loop was found guilty in the beating death of his roommate, 25 year old Andrea Piwko. The murder happened on July 30, 2015 at the Lakewood Cabins located off FM-3277. On that day, Williams beat Piwko, then called 911 and left the scene. Investigators found Piwko unresponsive. An investigation and manhunt was launched and evidence lead detectives to Williams. Initially, he was charged with possession of a controlled substance. While in jail, evidence continued to mount and he was eventually charged with murder. Recorded phone conversations from jail further paint a guilty picture of Williams as he told a man that he was "f----- pissed" and that "...all I did was beat the s--- out of her". The punishment phase will be carried out on Thursday (03/10/16). Christopher Williams is facing 5 to 99 years in prison.
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