Prosecutors to Recommend Life Sentence for Bank Robber Who Killed Bystander

WICHITA, KS—Prosecutors are recommending a life sentence for Ross A. Williams, 40, Claremore, Okla., who pleaded guilty to killing a bystander during a shootout with police after a bank robbery in Coffeyville, Kan., U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch said today.

Williams is set for sentencing Nov. 19, 2009. He pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery, one count of murder with a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of attempting to kill police officers to avoid arrest. In his plea, Williams admitted that at about 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 17, 2009, he robbed the Bank of America at 1401 West Eighth Street in Coffeyville, Kan. He fled the bank on a bicycle. A few blocks away, he put the bicycle in the back of his black Isuzu Ascender sports utility vehicle and drove away. A high speed chase began when Coffeyville police officers spotted the SUV and attempted to follow. The chase took place on the streets of Coffeyville and lasted about five minutes.

Williams drove up Grant Street to the outskirts of town. He drove through a wire cable blocking the road and then ran into a tree. He immediately got out of his vehicle and used a handgun to fire at police officers, striking the windshields of their vehicles. Then he reached into the back seat of his vehicle and pulled out an SKS assault rifle, from which he fired about 30 rounds.

One of the rounds fired by Williams missed the police cars and traveled about a quarter mile down Grant Street to strike Willie Neal, Jr. Mr. Neal and his brother had walked outside when Williams passed their house while being pursued by police. From where Mr. Neal was standing, he could not see Williams or Williams’ car. A round from Williams’ assault rifle entered Mr. Neal’s left front thigh and traveled into his right thigh, severing both femoral arteries. On the way to the hospital, Mr. Neal died of the wounds.

After emptying the assault rifle, Williams fled to a wooded area and police set up a perimeter. At about 8 o’clock that evening Williams was arrested.

Williams faces the following penalties:

• Bank robbery: A maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
• Murder during commission of a violent crime: A maximum penalty of life and a fine up to $250,000.
• Attempting to kill police officers to avoid arrest: A maximum penalty of 30 years and a fine up to $250,000.

Welch commended the Coffeyville Police Department, the Federal of Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case. He also thanked the following agencies for their assistance: The Caney Police Department, the Independence, Kan., Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Coffeyville Fire Department, the Coffeyville EMS Department and the Montgomery County Attorney’s office.