Latoshia Daniels, 46, has been sentenced to nearly 21 years in prison for the 2019 murder of a Tennessee pastor and the injury of his wife. Daniels received concurrent sentences: 20 years for second-degree murder and 11 months and 29 days for reckless endangerment.
The judge concluded that Daniels acted intentionally, citing evidence that she purchased the firearm in Sherwood, Arkansas, drove to Memphis, met pastor Brodes Perry and his wife at their Collierville apartment, and then committed Perry’s murder.
“A broken heart does not justify someone dying,” the judge said, according to NewsNation.
During her sentencing hearing, Daniels apologized to her friends, family, and colleagues. She also extended her apology to the family of Pastor Perry and his widow, Tabatha, whom she also shot.
“To Tabatha, I’m so sorry. I never meant to hurt you, and I pray that all of you guys will forgive me,” Daniels expressed, according to WMC. “I’m godly sorry, and I know it doesn’t take back what has happened, nor does it negate what has happened, but I want you to know that I am so sorry for the pain that I’ve caused you.”
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A jury had previously convicted Daniels of second-degree murder and reckless endangerment in November for fatally shooting Perry at his apartment in Collierville.
Daniels was also found guilty of reckless endangerment because she wounded Perry’s wife, Tabitha, during the assault.
After a four-day trial, the jurors reached a verdict within hours.
Although Daniels was initially indicted for first-degree murder, the jury chose to convict her on lesser charges after considering her testimony.
Daniels, who had an alleged affair with Pastor Perry, was found to have planned the attack that resulted in the pastor’s death and injury to his wife, according to the arguments presented by prosecutors during the trial.
Before her sentencing, Daniels’ son, Deundre Davis, spoke tearfully on his mother’s behalf, pleading with the judge for leniency.
“Mom I don’t ever think I’ve said this out loud,” said Davis. “What hurts my heart the most but fills it with so much admiration is at that the same time is knowing how much you were hurting, emotionally while still choosing to be strong for everyone else. You showed up every day with a smile.”
Daniels’ defense team had requested a 13.5-year sentence, falling below the expected sentencing range of 15 to 25 years.
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“While we respect the judge’s decision, we do disagree with it,” Lauren Fuchs, one of Daniels’ defense attorneys, stated.
Arthur Horne, another one of Daniels’ defense attorneys, added, “We work in these courtrooms every day, we go to sentencings every day, and in my 26 years practicing law, I’ve never had a client that has done so much work on herself, work for other people, writing books for other families that are going through this.”
The prosecutor stated that the sentence aligned with his expectations. He also informed WREG that he has been in contact with the victim’s family.
“They appreciate the justice, but you can’t make it not have happened so, they’re doing as well as expected,” said Kevin McAlphin, prosecutor.
The defense team has announced its intention to appeal the verdict.
WREG asked the defense for a comment on Daniels’ reaction to her conviction.
Defense attorney Horne said, “I think she’s a little bit in shock. I think she’s struggling with the idea that she’s probably going to spend another decade in prison, but I think she also understands that, you know, this happened for a reason.”
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