Woman to defend self in trial for murder

12/19/2012

A Toledo woman facing multiple charges in the 2011 death of a Sylvania Township man has decided to defend herself in Lucas County Common Pleas Court during her aggravated murder trial.

Melody Williams, 48, of 2017 Canton Ave. waived her right to counsel at a hearing Tuesday. She is charged with aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated arson, and two counts of tampering with evidence.

If convicted, she faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

She is charged in the death of L.C. Lyons, Jr., whose body was found July 4, 2011, inside his burned-out home at 5128 Inland Dr. An autopsy revealed that he had been shot in the head.

Judge Ruth Ann Franks appointed advisory counsel and set a Jan. 28 trial date.