Janine Edwards, Wayne County District Attorney, announced today that Azaiah Williams, age 17, was sentenced today by President Judge Raymond Hamill to 25 years to 50 years in the State Correctional Institution.  Williams pled guilty on December 19, 2016 to one count of Criminal Attempt to Commit Homicide, a Felony of the First Degree, and Sexual Assault, a Felony of the Second Degree.  The incident occurred on September 24, 2015 in Dreher Township, Wayne County, and was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police.  The Defendant knocked on the door of the victim, an 83 year old woman at the time, and proceeded to force his way into her home.  Once inside the Defendant stabbed the victim repeatedly with a knife from her home and then sexually assaulted her.  The Defendant left the victim bleeding out on her floor and fled the scene.  An investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police led them to find the Defendant living in a foster home in Monroe County.

Edwards commented: “This defendant stole the last years away from an innocent, elderly woman’s life with a heinous, intentional act.  He was 15 when he committed this crime but he had a history of being unable to control his acts, being aggressive and violent.  I asked the court today on behalf of the victim and her family to place this Defendant in jail for as long as he can under the law and he did so.  This defendant represents the highest risk to our society and must be institutionalized.”