Kimberly Deshaundra Williams wept loudly Friday after being sentenced to probation and being released from jail.

Williams, 28, was charged with murder, armed robbery, arson and aggravated assault, among other felonies, in the July 2012  execution-style shooting death of Hassan Hana Williams, who was lured to Thomasville by Kimberly Williams’ roommate.

The roommate and two Thomasville males have been sentenced to life prison terms — and life without parole — in the murder.

Williams testified for the state against Alvin Davis III last week. Her testimony provided a play-by-play of events from when the victim arrived at the Graham residence, to dropping Davis off at the murder scene to the burning of the victim’s vehicle.

Jim Prine, assistant district attorney, told Judge James E. “Jim” Hardy Friday Kimberly Williams’ connection to the crime was her roommate, Kierra Shanise Graham, the woman who lured the victim to Thomasville.

Kimberly Williams testified that when she realized Davis intended to kill Hassan Williams, she phoned Graham and told her Williams was about to be killed.

Graham’s five-year-old daughter was in the vehicle with Kimberly Williams and Davis, when Davis was dropped off at the Metcalfe Avenue house where the victim was found a short time later with bullets in his back and in the back of his head.

The child was with Kimberly Williams and Graham when the victim’s Mercedes was set on fire a short time later.

Prine said he believes the victim’s mother, Aida Pugh, a Columbia, S.C., resident had empathy for Williams and her position in the crime.

The assistant district attorney pointed out about 20 letters from local citizens — people he knows and respects.

“She has been most cooperative with me since I took this case,” Prine told the judge.

Williams told the judge, “I’m not a bad person. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

 William told Hardy she would prefer to be dead instead of Williams, adding that she wants a chance to prove herself.

Williams said she wants to become a social worker and help young people in her situation and who were abused as children. She wants to tell teenagers to surround themselves with positive people.

Hardy said he would not make it a part of the sentence, but he suggested Williams write a strong letter of apology to the victim’s family.

Hardy told Williams he had struggled with her sentence.

Referring to letters written on Williams’ behalf, Hardy told Williams reputable people spoke very highly of her, her love for children and how she helped children.

“ … The victim’s mother has forgiven you, I think,” Hardy said to Williams. He told her she could be sentenced to 40 years in prison, but he did not consider that a wise sentence.

Hardy sentenced Williams — as a first offender — to eight years of probation on a plea to arson and a concurrent eight years of probation on a plea to cruelty to children.

The sentence includes a $2,000 fine and 20 hours of community service.

She received credit for time served in jail from July 19, 2012, to Friday.

Williams was released from the Thomas County Jail soon after the midafternoon sentencing.

If she violates probation, she will be sent to prison for 40 years.

As a first offender, Williams will not be adjudicated guilty if she successfully completes all terms and conditions of probation.

Williams said she has written and mailed a letter of apology to the victim’s family. The judge told her she might want to consider writing a second letter.

Williams wept loudly after sentencing. She wept on the shoulder of her lawyer, William Folsom, of Valdosta, and as she shook hands with Prine and Ray Auman, senior assistant district attorney.

Williams was transported back to the jail and released a short time later.

“I hope I won’t see you in court again, ma’am,” Hardy told Williams at the end of the proceeding.

“You won’t,” Williams responded.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820.