Kawhi Leonard’s sister, Kimesha Williams, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of an elderly woman in a Southern California casino in 2019. Williams ambushed 84-year-old Afaf Assad in the bathroom of the casino to rob her of a purse containing approximately $1,000 for gambling while her friend, Candace Townsel, kept watch. Assad was later found bleeding on the floor with a fractured skull. She died four days later.
“This has been a long, painful journey through the criminal court justice system,” Assad’s daughter, Mary, said in the victim impact statement, according to the report. “I still can’t believe my mother was the victim of a violent crime. … Part of me died in that hospital room with her. My father is without his wife and partner and is isolated and alone in a way we cannot begin to understand … We seek not vengeance but there needs to be a reckoning for their heinous act.”
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Kimesha Williams argued that she did not kill Assad in a statement read in court by her attorney. “I am so sorry for your loss,” Williams’ statement read. She added: “I have been praying for you and your family every day. I am not responsible for the death of Mrs. Assad. Although the courts have found me guilty of the charges, we all know the truth, and that there is one judge, and that is God, and that he knows the truth.”
Leonard has not commented on the sentencing. He's currently sitting out of the Clippers’ first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns due to a knee injury. Without Leonard, the Clippers are currently down 3-1 in the series to the Suns. The 31-year-old star scored 38 and 31 points in the first two games of the series. It is unclear when Leonard will be able to return to the court.
[Via]