Tony Sanders, a 51-year-old man from New Boston, Texas, tragically died on December 3, 2017. His death was the result of a single gunshot wound to his upper right leg, which caused him to quickly bleed to death. The incident occurred at his home on Jones Street in Texarkana, Texas, following a dispute at a football party hosted by Sanders.
Earlier that evening, Sanders had asked Takyme James, a guest at the party, to leave due to his drunken and belligerent behavior. A physical altercation ensued, and Sanders helped James off the floor before James left with a bloody face and black eye. James then recruited his cousins, Clarence Willis and LaPrense Willis, to assist him in confronting Sanders. The three men drove to Sanders' home, where Clarence Willis kicked in the door, and James fired the fatal shot.
All three men were charged with murder under the "law of parties," which holds that anyone who aids, assists, or encourages the commission of a crime is just as guilty as the person who committed the act. Takyme James was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison in December 2018. Clarence Willis was found guilty and sentenced to 99 years in prison in November 2019. LaPrense Willis faced charges and was eventually convicted, receiving a 70-year sentence in April 2023.
The case highlighted the tragic consequences of escalating violence and the importance of accountability for all involved in such crimes. Sanders' wife, who was hiding in a bedroom during the incident, called 911 and reported the shooting. Despite efforts by police to stop the bleeding, Sanders succumbed to his injuries that night at a local hospital.
The investigation and subsequent trials brought some measure of justice for Sanders' family, but the loss of a husband and father left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
