Toledoan gets life in prison for murder of Sylvania Twp. man

Melody Williams reads over the documents of her convictions at the start of the aborted sentencing hearing. Williams made a motion for a mistrial.

After having her sentencing delayed for three hours earlier today, a Toledo woman convicted of killing a Sylvania Township man was sentenced today to life in prison.

Melody Williams, 49, was convicted Friday following a jury trial in Lucas County Common Pleas Court of aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated arson, and two counts of tampering with evidence in the fatal shooting of L.C. Lyons, Jr., 59, at his Sylvania Township home July 4, 2011.

Judge Ruth Ann Franks earlier delayed the 10:30 a.m. hearing after Williams made a motion for a mistrial, alleging juror misconduct and a conspiracy by her court-appointed standby counsel. She represented herself during her week-long trial last week.

Judge Franks denied that motion after an hour-long hearing then imposed a sentence that means Williams will not be eligible for parole for at least 30 years.