Champaign man sentenced in murder of Lyft Driver

URBANA, Ill. (WAND) — A 19-year-old has been sentenced for the murder of a Lyft Driver in 2022.

In January, Tyjohn Williams was found guilty of murdering 29-year-old Kristian Philpotts.

Philpotts' family said that he had been driving for the rideshare service as a way to help fund his dream of becoming a veterinarian.

The murder happened on Jan. 12, 2022 in Urbana. Police said Philpotts was found shot in the back. An investigation found that three teenage boys were involved in the murder. Two of them, Jaheim Dyer and Na’Shown Fenderson, have already pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Williams.

Monday, Williams was sentenced to 55 years in prison, with three years of mandatory supervised release.

Judge Randall Rosenbaum said because Williams was a minor when he murdered Philpotts, Illinois law encourages lighter sentences. But, he didn't want to do so because of Williams' behavior after the murder and during the trial.

"The defendant went far away, those are really actions of a man who has consciousness of guilt," said Rosenbaum. "This is a tragic situation. Mr. Williams was seen with guns, glorifying violence and weapons. He has shown no remorse. He has said he is innocent. That is his right, but it is appropriate for the court to consider that he has shown no remorse for his actions."

Scott Larson added that Williams had posted on social media about guns and murder just hours before killing Philpotts. Rosenbaum hoped Williams' sentence would act as a deterrent to others in the community.

"I have to send a message to Mr. Williams and to people in situations like him, to not commit crimes like this, to not glorify violence, not to glorify guns, not to make it seem like it's a fun or a cool thing out there, to prevent situations from arising where people get killed," said Rosenbaum.

Philpotts' mother, Marla Rice, and aunt, Dr. Marileen Cunningham, both spoke out in court. They asked the judge to give Williams the maximum sentence, since they would never be able to see their beloved family member again.

"He fought to get into this world, his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck multiple times," said Rice. "And he fought leaving this world, trying to escape for health and safety because he was murdered, shot in the back and left for dead in the street."

"I know that no amount of time or punishment can bring my baby back to me physically," said Dr. Cunnigham. "I noticed this person has not shown any remorse, and neither has his family."

After court, the family said they were hoping for more than 55 years, because it would mean Williams wouldn't have the opportunity to kill again. But, they are happy the legal process is over, and that they finally have closure.