Javontae Williams sentenced to at least 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter

Posted on 5/26/2023

Defendant: Javontae Williams

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Julie Lynch on Thursday sentenced Jovantae Williams, 19, to at least 12 years in prison following Williams’ guilty plea to one charge of involuntary manslaughter with a three-year gun specification.

On September 20, 2020, while inside a vehicle in the parking lot of the former Westland Mall outside of a gun show entrance, Williams shot Sage Martin, leaving Martin wounded. Williams got out of the vehicle and shot Martin multiple times, killing him. On October 29, detectives with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Williams after a witness identified him as the shooter.

Williams received a sentence of 9 to 13½ years for involuntary manslaughter, to be served consecutively to a mandatory 3 years for the gun specification, for a total sentence of 12 to 16½ years. Williams agreed to not file for Judicial Release and serve the full 12 year sentence.

Jack Wong and Seth Enlow, both assistant prosecuting attorneys with the Franklin County Prosecutor’s office, prosecuted the case.