Lansing man gets minimum of 70 years in prison in 2021 murder case in Delta Twp.
CHARLOTTE — A Lansing man was sentenced to a minimum of 70 years in prison Friday for the killing of another man in a Delta Township clothing and footwear store in 2021.
Willie James III, 27, was convicted of second-degree murder and three weapons counts after a four-day trial in May.
He was accused of killing Antonio Taylor Jr., 22, inside SNIPES, 4116 W. Saginaw Highway, where Taylor was shopping with friends, officials said. James fled and was later arrested and charged.
Eaton County Circuit Judge John Maurer sentenced James to 65 to 100 years in prison for the murder conviction and a consecutive 5-year term for felony firearm possession, second-offense, boosting James' minimum prison term to 70 years.
James also received concurrent prison terms of 20 years to 40 years for carrying a concealed weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
He won't be eligible for parole until he is 97, Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd said.
“Antonio Taylor Jr.’s death was a senseless, cold-blooded murder, and his family is now left with only his memory," the prosecutor said in a news release. "A mother is without her son; siblings are without their brother; a daughter is without her father."
Taylor was shot inside inside the store shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 23, police said at the time. The incident was not the result of a robbery, they said.
Medics arrived and attempted first aid, but Taylor died later at Sparrow Hospital, police said.
Taylor's obituary said he was loyal, caring and loved his family. His family wrote that they will miss his "vibrant smile and unique laughter."
Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBPalm_lsj.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Lansing man gets minimum of 70 years in prison in 2021 murder case in Delta Twp.
