Conviction for Motel Murder of Cecil Saunders

Friday, a city jury convicted Donnell Williams, 25, of the 900 block of Woodington Road first-degree murder, first-degree assault and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault. Judge Robert B. Kershaw scheduled sentencing for May 16, 2008. Williams faces a maximum of life in prison plus 50 years. On August 9, 2006 police identified Williams on a private, security camera beating and kicking Cecil Saunders, 28, in the head inside a stairwell at the Executive Inn in the 3600 block of Pulaski Highway. Two other men are alleged to have participated in the attack. Co-defendants Demetrius Williams and Leneal Montay Collins are charged with murder and scheduled to stand trial today. Assistant State’s Attorney Diana Smith of the Homicide Division prosecuted this case.