27-year-old William Tolliver talking to Defense Attorney Mary Gormley before his sentencing on May 16, 2023
27-year-old William Toliver was sentenced to 4 years in prison on Friday for his role in a deadly shootout on the streets of downtown Seattle three years ago.
It was during the rush hour on January 22 of 2020 that three men opened fire on each other at 3rd Avenue and Pine Street. The gunbattle lasted just 6 seconds according to court records, but included at least 24-gunshots.
“I don’t think there’s any dispute to the fact that Mr. Tolliver pretty clearly fired the fatal shot” Senior Prosecuting Attorney Mary Barbosa reminded the court that 50-year-old Tanya Jackson was killed in the crossfire, but a 1st degree murder charge was reduced to 2nd degree manslaughter “That is reflected in a homicide charge that involves negligence rather than intentional.”
The shootout was triggered by a Facebook post that insulted one of Tolliver’s friends; six other people were injured including a 9-year-old boy.
“I don’t believe either party is 100% satisfied” Barbosa told the court current law and a lengthy negotiation between both sides allowed led to reducing the charge from 1st degree murder to manslaughter.
“The standard sentencing range by no means reflects the harm that was suffered in this case” Barbosa went on to say, “It certainly doesn’t reflect the harm to Tonya Jackson, the harm that her family continues to suffer, and the harm to the community who lost a sense of security and safety in a busy downtown intersection.”
The 27-year-old man received a 4-year prison sentence for 2nd degree manslaughter, and 16 months each for 3rd degree assault and 2nd degree unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to his defense attorney’s Tolliver has since been involved in another unrelated gun crime.
