The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Woman charged with first-degree murder to enter plea deal

A Coralville woman accused of first-degree murder will attend a plea hearing today at the Johnson County Courthouse.

Lillie Williams, 50, is accused of a Class-A felony in connection with the death of a 14-year-old boy and two others injured during a house fire in Coralville in November 2011.

William’s pretrial hearing was originally set for at 9 a.m. Friday, and her trial was set for 9 a.m. Oct. 23, but this date could be in jeopardy following the hearing.

Williams will plead guilty to first-degree arson and first-degree burglary, Class-B felonies that carry sentences of up to 25 years. She will also plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter, a Class D felony with a maximum five-year sentence.

Prior to her plea, Williams had planned to use intoxication as a part of her defense, as reported by The Daily Iowan. The court also ruled in early October that a 6-year-old boy was competent to testify against Williams.

Williams’ bond is set at $1 million.

— by Jordyn Reiland

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