MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CRIME & JUSTICE

Texas dad and stepson who shot man to death after brawl found guilty as jury rejects self-defense claims

Williams Blankenship, 61, and Lane Wootan, 25, argued that they killed Josh Fowler in self-defense, but were found guilty on October 17

BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS: Two Texas men, Lane Wootan and Williams Blankenship, were found guilty on Monday, October 17 of killing a 24-year-old after a confrontation that occurred on December 8, 2020. Wootan, 25, and stepfather Blankenship, 61, might receive life sentences for the murder of Josh Fowler, according to reports.

Authorities claimed that earlier on the day of the homicide, Fowler and a friend got into a fight with Wootan. Later, Wootan confronted Fowler along with his mother Jennifer Blankenship and Williams. The parents came armed with handguns, while Wootan had an AR-15 rifle, officials claimed. Fowler's stepfather, who was a witness, reported hearing gunfire. One had a handgun-like sound, while the other had a rifle-like sound and both shots were fired around the same time. The witness allegedly saw Fowler fall to the ground screaming. Authorities claim that when he tried to intervene, Jennifer yelled at him and threatened to kill him if he called the police.

READ MORE

Chicago gun violence: 13-yr-old boy and 6 others die in horrific shooting spree over the weekend

Who was James Brady? John Hinckley Jr who shot Ronald Reagan admits he killed WH press secretary

A friend of Fowler finally managed to dial 911, but the young man was already dead. "On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, around 10.40 pm, Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched for a shooting in progress, however, when deputies arrived to the scene they discovered 24 year old Joshua Fowler with a gunshot wound to his torso," officers said, as reported by Law and Crime.

Officers added, "Joshua Fowler was later transported to [San Antonio Military Medical Center], where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Through the course of the investigation, the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force located Lane Devon Wootan, 23, Jennifer Wootan Blankenship, 46, and Williams Blankenship, 59, at a motel in Guadalupe County."

"All suspects were placed into custody without incident for first degree felony murder," officers concluded. The two different defense teams for the codefendants Wootan and Williams tried to portray it as self-defense and argued that the key witness lacked credibility, but the claims were insufficient to persuade the jury.

The trial's sentencing phase will soon start and the two men could receive sentences ranging from 5 to 99 years in jail or even life. Jennifer was also arrested in connection with the crime. She decided to have a separate trial for her case. The charges against the three defendants include murder.