Sam Collington murder: Man sentenced in 2021 shooting death of Temple University student
PHILADELPHIA - A gunman convicted of fatally shooting Temple University student Sam Collington will spend decades behind bars, a Philadelphia court ruled Tuesday.
Latif Williams, who was 17 at the time of the killing, was found guilty in February of third-degree murder and weapons charges. He was sentenced Tuesday to 25-50 years in prison with five years of probation, FOX 29's Kelly Rule reports.
Prosecutors say Williams shot and killed Collington, 21, on the 2200 block of North Park Avenue in November 2021. He turned himself in after surveillance video from that night linked him to Collington's murder.
Family members, including Sam’s parents, stood outside the courtroom showing treasured photos of him.
During the hearing, Sam’s parents were among six loved ones that tearfully read statements about the deep and enduring pain of their loss, before Judge Scott O’Keefe sentenced Williams.
Latif Williams, who was 17 at the time of the killing, was found guilty in February of third-degree murder and weapons charges. He was sentenced Tuesday to 25-50 years in prison with 5 years of probation, FOX 29's Kelly Rule reports.
Collington’s father called Williams a "…cold, callous murderer" in court and said he was disgusted he was painted as a victim.
Molly Collington, Sam’s mother said her son made her proud every single day and she’s a shell of the woman she used to be.
Molly went on, "We want to thank Joanne Pescatore for all her hard work. We would also like to thank Detective Murray for solving the case and bringing Sam’s killer in and we continue to pray for the safety of the City of Philadelphia."
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Sam Collington murder: Man convicted in 2021 shooting death of Temple University student
A man accused of fatally shooting Temple University student Sam Collington near campus in 2021 was convicted Tuesday.
DA Joanne Pescatore, Chief of the Homicide Unit with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, said of the sentencing, "I think the family is as satisfied as they can be but they still don’t have Sam."
Collington, from Delaware County, was set to graduate from Temple University in the spring. Loved ones say he had an incredibly bright future in law and politics, was hilarious, passionate, a great friend and host.
The case went to trial after Williams and his attorneys turned down an offer from District Attorney Larry Krasner of 30 to 60 years.
DA Pescatore continued, "This was a brutal case that really terrorized the Temple community and terrorized the city, quite frankly. But, my hope, as a DA, is he can’t do this to anybody else for the next 25 to 50 years.
Williams’ attorneys asked the judge for seven and a half years to 15 years, detailing his traumatic childhood and arguing his brain was still developing as a 17-year-old when he committed the crimes.
Williams and his mother both cried during her statements in court.
He also spoke, saying, "I’m sincerely sorry," to the Collington family and says he will be a better person for Sam.
"I can tell you, it was pretty heartfelt," Emily Robb, Director of Advocacy with Youth Sentencing and Re-Entry Project. "We’re very sympathetic to them today. We’re also disappointed in the sentence."
Williams’ defense attorneys said, "No comment" when asked if they would appeal the sentence.