Topline: Authorities say the teen shot his mother twice in the head while she was asleep in her bed.
Published: August 14, 2025 8:00 am ET
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Shawn Willis, left, (via Anderson County Sheriff's Department), and Sandy Willis (via Hatmaker Funeral Home)
CLINTON, TN — What began as a teenager’s anger over a confiscated cellphone ended in a fatal shooting—and now, five years later, a guilty plea and a 30-year prison sentence.
Shawn Tyler Willis, 21, of Rocky Top, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the killing of his mother, Sandy Kay Strickland Willis, when he was just 16 years old.
The plea, accepted one day before his trial was set to begin, came with a 30-year prison sentence to be served in full, without parole.
According to Anderson County District Attorney General Dave Clark, the terms reflect limitations Tennessee places on sentencing juveniles, even in cases involving murder.
The crime, both senseless and deeply personal, occurred in April 2020. Investigators say that Sandy Willis, a 38-year-old night-shift worker and breast cancer survivor, had returned home and gone to bed after an argument with her son. She had taken away his cell phone, reportedly to keep him from contacting his girlfriend.
According to reporting by WVLT and information from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Willis retrieved a handgun his mother kept on her nightstand, loaded it in another room so she wouldn’t hear, and then returned to shoot her twice while she slept.
Initially, the teen claimed he found her unresponsive and phoned a local volunteer firefighter—the father of his girlfriend—for help. But his story changed, and according to Assistant District Attorney Emily F. Abbott, it was during a police interview on May 5, 2020, that Willis confessed to the killing. He later admitted the crime to his father as well, according to court records and statements presented during sentencing.
Special Judge Zachary Walden, brought in from Knox County, accepted the plea deal. Speaking to those present, including several members of the victim’s family, Walden acknowledged the emotional toll of the process, the Oakridger reported.
“Everyone loses something in a plea,” he said. “But there is certainty today in what you have all done.” He emphasized that closure is rarely found inside a courtroom.
Before sentencing, Willis addressed the court, turning to family members to express regret. “Today I’m taking responsibility for what I did to Mom,” he said. “I just could not imagine what a trial would do to you all.” He promised to write to his relatives to explain why he acted as he did and said he hoped for a future relationship with them. “I’m sorry. I made a mistake.”
Family members, including his father and older brother, gave powerful victim impact statements. They spoke not only of their grief, but of the kind of person Sandy Willis had been—resilient, caring, and strong.
The investigation and prosecution involved multiple agencies and personnel. In his formal statement, General Clark thanked the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Knox County Regional Forensic Center, and the Anderson County Children’s Advocacy Center. He also acknowledged Assistant District Attorneys Abbott, Kevin J. Allen, and Meredith E. Slemp, along with Victim Witness Coordinator Katherine Sellers, for their efforts.
“This shocking crime demanded justice, and I am happy that it has been resolved as well as the law will allow,” Clark said. “We remain grateful for the support of this grieving family that has suffered a wound that cannot heal.”
Though the court proceedings have ended, the emotional fallout from that April morning remains deeply etched in the lives of those left behind.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Teen Killed Sleeping Mother After She Took His Phone; Now Sentenced to 30 Years
Authorities say the teen shot his mother twice in the head while she was asleep in her bed.
By Jacob Charles
Published: August 14, 2025 8:00 am ET
Shawn Willis, left, (via Anderson County Sheriff's Department), and Sandy Willis (via Hatmaker Funeral Home)
CLINTON, TN — What began as a teenager’s anger over a confiscated cellphone ended in a fatal shooting—and now, five years later, a guilty plea and a 30-year prison sentence.
Shawn Tyler Willis, 21, of Rocky Top, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the killing of his mother, Sandy Kay Strickland Willis, when he was just 16 years old.
The plea, accepted one day before his trial was set to begin, came with a 30-year prison sentence to be served in full, without parole.
According to Anderson County District Attorney General Dave Clark, the terms reflect limitations Tennessee places on sentencing juveniles, even in cases involving murder.
The crime, both senseless and deeply personal, occurred in April 2020. Investigators say that Sandy Willis, a 38-year-old night-shift worker and breast cancer survivor, had returned home and gone to bed after an argument with her son. She had taken away his cell phone, reportedly to keep him from contacting his girlfriend.
According to reporting by WVLT and information from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Willis retrieved a handgun his mother kept on her nightstand, loaded it in another room so she wouldn’t hear, and then returned to shoot her twice while she slept.
Initially, the teen claimed he found her unresponsive and phoned a local volunteer firefighter—the father of his girlfriend—for help. But his story changed, and according to Assistant District Attorney Emily F. Abbott, it was during a police interview on May 5, 2020, that Willis confessed to the killing. He later admitted the crime to his father as well, according to court records and statements presented during sentencing.
Special Judge Zachary Walden, brought in from Knox County, accepted the plea deal. Speaking to those present, including several members of the victim’s family, Walden acknowledged the emotional toll of the process, the Oakridger reported.
“Everyone loses something in a plea,” he said. “But there is certainty today in what you have all done.” He emphasized that closure is rarely found inside a courtroom.
Before sentencing, Willis addressed the court, turning to family members to express regret. “Today I’m taking responsibility for what I did to Mom,” he said. “I just could not imagine what a trial would do to you all.” He promised to write to his relatives to explain why he acted as he did and said he hoped for a future relationship with them. “I’m sorry. I made a mistake.”
Family members, including his father and older brother, gave powerful victim impact statements. They spoke not only of their grief, but of the kind of person Sandy Willis had been—resilient, caring, and strong.
The investigation and prosecution involved multiple agencies and personnel. In his formal statement, General Clark thanked the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Knox County Regional Forensic Center, and the Anderson County Children’s Advocacy Center. He also acknowledged Assistant District Attorneys Abbott, Kevin J. Allen, and Meredith E. Slemp, along with Victim Witness Coordinator Katherine Sellers, for their efforts.
“This shocking crime demanded justice, and I am happy that it has been resolved as well as the law will allow,” Clark said. “We remain grateful for the support of this grieving family that has suffered a wound that cannot heal.”
Though the court proceedings have ended, the emotional fallout from that April morning remains deeply etched in the lives of those left behind.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Teen Killed Sleeping Mother After She Took His Phone; Now Sentenced to 30 Years
Authorities say the teen shot his mother twice in the head while she was asleep in her bed.
By Jacob Charles
Published: August 14, 2025 8:00 am ET
Shawn Willis, left, (via Anderson County Sheriff's Department), and Sandy Willis (via Hatmaker Funeral Home)
CLINTON, TN — What began as a teenager’s anger over a confiscated cellphone ended in a fatal shooting—and now, five years later, a guilty plea and a 30-year prison sentence.
Shawn Tyler Willis, 21, of Rocky Top, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the killing of his mother, Sandy Kay Strickland Willis, when he was just 16 years old.
The plea, accepted one day before his trial was set to begin, came with a 30-year prison sentence to be served in full, without parole.
According to Anderson County District Attorney General Dave Clark, the terms reflect limitations Tennessee places on sentencing juveniles, even in cases involving murder.
The crime, both senseless and deeply personal, occurred in April 2020. Investigators say that Sandy Willis, a 38-year-old night-shift worker and breast cancer survivor, had returned home and gone to bed after an argument with her son. She had taken away his cell phone, reportedly to keep him from contacting his girlfriend.
According to reporting by WVLT and information from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Willis retrieved a handgun his mother kept on her nightstand, loaded it in another room so she wouldn’t hear, and then returned to shoot her twice while she slept.
Initially, the teen claimed he found her unresponsive and phoned a local volunteer firefighter—the father of his girlfriend—for help. But his story changed, and according to Assistant District Attorney Emily F. Abbott, it was during a police interview on May 5, 2020, that Willis confessed to the killing. He later admitted the crime to his father as well, according to court records and statements presented during sentencing.
Special Judge Zachary Walden, brought in from Knox County, accepted the plea deal. Speaking to those present, including several members of the victim’s family, Walden acknowledged the emotional toll of the process, the Oakridger reported.
“Everyone loses something in a plea,” he said. “But there is certainty today in what you have all done.” He emphasized that closure is rarely found inside a courtroom.
Before sentencing, Willis addressed the court, turning to family members to express regret. “Today I’m taking responsibility for what I did to Mom,” he said. “I just could not imagine what a trial would do to you all.” He promised to write to his relatives to explain why he acted as he did and said he hoped for a future relationship with them. “I’m sorry. I made a mistake.”
Family members, including his father and older brother, gave powerful victim impact statements. They spoke not only of their grief, but of the kind of person Sandy Willis had been—resilient, caring, and strong.
The investigation and prosecution involved multiple agencies and personnel. In his formal statement, General Clark thanked the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Knox County Regional Forensic Center, and the Anderson County Children’s Advocacy Center. He also acknowledged Assistant District Attorneys Abbott, Kevin J. Allen, and Meredith E. Slemp, along with Victim Witness Coordinator Katherine Sellers, for their efforts.
“This shocking crime demanded justice, and I am happy that it has been resolved as well as the law will allow,” Clark said. “We remain grateful for the support of this grieving family that has suffered a wound that cannot heal.”
Though the court proceedings have ended, the emotional fallout from that April morning remains deeply etched in the lives of those left behind.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
