FORT WORTH, TX – A Tarrant County jury has sentenced 37-year-old Leland Earl Williams to 95 years in prison after he pled guilty to aggravated assault on a public servant for the ambush shooting of a sheriff’s deputy inside a Fort Worth credit union.
The incident happened on November 27, 2023, while Tarrant County Sheriff’s Deputy Brent Brown was working off-duty security at the Fort Worth Community Credit Union on Brentwood Stair Road. Williams, who had been seated in the lobby, suddenly stood up and rushed Deputy Brown. Without warning, he opened fire at almost point-blank range, hitting the deputy multiple times.
Despite his injuries, Deputy Brown managed to return fire, a response prosecutors say prevented further bloodshed. “Deputy Brown almost died that day,” Assistant District Attorney Dale Smith told jurors. “After being shot twice, he began firing, saving the lives of countless people.”
Williams fled the scene and was later captured following a brief standoff at a relative’s home.
Deputy Brown underwent emergency surgery and a long recovery but has since returned to duty.
Prosecutors emphasized the deliberate and unprovoked nature of the attack. “This was a highly intentional act against Deputy Brown,” Assistant District Attorney Victoria Lydahl said in court. “The question is: How does Tarrant County answer the call of ‘Officer down?’”
Jurors answered with a decisive sentence, one prosecutors say reflects both the seriousness of the attack and the community’s support for law enforcement.
District Attorney Phil Sorrells praised the work of investigators and the Fort Worth Police Department. “This sentence sends a clear message: attacks on our peace officers will not be tolerated,” he said. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement to keep Tarrant County safe.”
Sorrells also thanked DA Investigator Caleb Blank and Victim Coordinator Laura Medina for their efforts throughout the case.
