Tranisa Watts, a 26-year-old from Dallas, received a 60-year prison sentence for shooting Kentoria Edwards, her child's grandmother, at a Richardson Starbucks. The incident occurred on April 18, 2022, around 7 pm, prompting the Richardson Police Department's response to the Starbucks on Renner Road. Witnesses identified Watts, who was running with a small child, as the shooter. Edwards suffered a gunshot wound to her chest.
According to eyewitnesses, Watts shot Edwards at the end of an unscheduled visitation demanded by Watts with her child. Edwards, who had custody of the child since she was three months old due to a CPS investigation into Watts' ability to care for the child, had faced recurring problems with Watts, including physical altercations.
During the incident, Watts asked Edwards to stand the child up on a table to say goodbye, but instead, she retrieved a gun from her purse and shot Edwards before attempting to flee with the child.
Following her arrest, Watts initially claimed self-defense but later admitted to shooting Edwards, stating she wanted her child back. Watts pleaded guilty to murder and received a 60-year sentence, imposed by Judge Jennifer Edgeworth.
“Ms. Edwards was a loving grandmother, mother, wife, and sister. She devoted her life to her family, especially her beloved granddaughter. Watts’ unthinkable act of shooting and murdering her – in front of Watts’ innocent three year old child – has shattered this family. We hope this sentence provides a measure of justice and allows the family the time and space they need to begin the healing process,” stated Willis after sentencing.
Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Calli Bailey, Lisa Braxton, and Ashley Briggs prosecuted the case, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Sarah Putman and Victim Assistance Coordinator Melissa White.
