Man found guilty of murder for teen's death during police chase

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man has been found guilty of murder in a fiery crash that killed a Baytown teenager. Shannon Chauncey now faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison.

It has been an emotional year for the Williams family. The entire family attended court every day throughout the entire trial. It was difficult at times, but on Monday, it was all worth the effort.

Seconds before the verdict was to be read, Shawn Williams said one last prayer.

The jury foreman said, "We, the jury, find the defendant, Shannon Joe Chauncy, guilty..."

And with those words, the Williams family prayers were answered.

Tyler Williams, the victim's sister, said, "If it was anything else I think I would be extremely devastated because he didn't have to go like that. He didn't have to go that night. He didn't have to go that soon."

He was 16-year-old Shawn Williams, Jr. The Baytown teen died in a fiery crash, the result of a chase that began with two suspected shoplifters fleeing from police.

On Monday, a jury found Chauncey to be responsible. His girlfriend at the time and accomplice Jennifer Jenkins testified in court that she was high on meth that night, and both she and Chauncey had used the drug together in the past.

The victim's brother, Brandon Williams, said, "This is a fresh breath of air because now we can no longer live with the suspicion of did he do it or not. We now know what the verdict is and we respect the verdict."

Thanks to their strong faith and the support of friends, family and even strangers, the family has been able to move forward.

"Someone comes up to you and says, I knew him or he helped me do this, or he said this or said that," said Shawn Williams, Sr.

Still despite the verdict, the Williams family says there is no closure.

"I don't think so," said mother Pleshette Williams. "I mean, there's always going to be a hole in our family. Nothing, no one can ever replace or fill that hole."

The sentencing phase is underway. Police officers testified they found more than two ounces of meth in the car Chauncey was driving. He faces anywhere from five to 99 years, or life, behind bars.

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