A 17-year-old teenager pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for brutally attacking and killing a man at a Lakewood apartment complex. The incident occurred during a party on July 31, 2023, where the teenager, Brodey Drew Brownell, was drinking and doing drugs. Prosecutors described the crime as disturbing as Brownell assaulted the victim, 64-year-old Leonard Williams, unprovoked. Brownell punched, stomped, and beat Williams before fatally stabbing him multiple times with a kitchen knife. The attack was recorded on Snapchat with Brownell boasting, “You messed with the wrong person.” After the assault, Williams’ body was found near a dumpster at the complex.
During the sentencing, a friend of Williams, Laura Clemons, spoke on his behalf, highlighting the trauma of identifying his severely injured body. She emphasized that Williams, a formerly homeless individual, deserved to feel safe in his own home. Brownell’s defense attorney argued for a shorter sentence of 22 years, citing Brownell’s troubled upbringing with drug abuse and unstable family life. The defense attorney mentioned Brownell’s struggles with ADHD and the absence of a criminal record prior to this incident.
Ultimately, Brownell was sentenced to 25 years in prison, as requested by the prosecutors. The judge, Susan Adams, considered the heinous nature of the crime and the impact on the victim’s loved ones, including Clemons, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss of her friend.
Apology Issued by Unexpected Speaker
A surprise guest at the event took the opportunity to address the crowd. Standing up, he expressed his desire to offer an apology.
