Woman sentenced in Tyrone Township homicide, 'despite all this I loved him'

Adams County Courthouse's courtroom No. 2 was full Monday afternoon for the sentencing of a York Springs woman who had entered an open plea of voluntary manslaughter - which falls under criminal homicide - in May in the shooting death of her boyfriend.

Shawna Harman Lacoste, 39, fatally shot her boyfriend, Tracy Williams, on March 19, 2017, in Tyrone Township. Lacoste admitted to the shooting when she entered her plea, but has maintained that she believed she needed to defend herself. 

More than 30 people were present at Monday's sentencing to support Lacoste, while about 20 people were there on behalf of the victim, Tracy Williams.

Lacoste was sentenced six to 20 years in state prison and must pay costs and fines. 

Read:York Springs woman pleads guilty to killing boyfriend

Read:York Springs woman charged with homicide

Judge Thomas Campbell said to the court before impact statements that, "both sides have the right to be heard."

Williams' family spoke first, explaining the pain they feel and all of the life moments Williams will not get to experience because of Lacoste's actions.

His oldest sister approached the podium with tears and shared what her younger brother meant to her. She called him fearless and invincible, never thinking that she would lose him.

She recalled Williams telling her in the past, "Don't worry sis, only the good die young."

Many more of Williams' family members gave statements, including his brother, sister, two sons and his mother.

They all implored Campbell to take their loss and pain into consideration while determining a sentence. They also gave statements as to what type of person Williams was.

Read:Coroner IDs man shot, killed in Tyrone Township

Williams' two sons explained the hurt they now go through having lost their father. The memories they won't be able to make, the fatherly advice they will no longer be able to have.

One son shared with the court how his father always taught him never to abuse women. Williams losing his life because of abusing a woman did not make sense to him.

"I've endured many losses, but this is the most traumatic," Williams' mother said in her statement.

She told the court she realizes that nothing can bring her child back, but they were looking for Lacoste to take responsibility for her actions. 

Two friends of Lacoste gave verbal statements in court in addition to about 18 pages of character letters that were submitted to Campbell by the defense.

They spoke about Lacoste's personality, calling her the "kindest, most compassionate person" they know.

One friend of 33 years recalled a time where she encountered Williams, who she said made comments about loving Lacoste, but that he could "bury her so far in the hills of West Virginia."

Lastly, Lacoste made a statement to the court. She stated that she takes full responsibility.

She explained that Williams became unpredictable while he drank and that she believed that she was in danger.

Lacoste spoke of times when Williams abused her, but she always tried to keep that quiet so people wouldn't think badly of him.

"Despite all this I loved him," she said.

She said that she was deeply sorry and that she hopes his family can find peace.

Lacoste's attorney, Steve Rice, said after the sentencing that they would have liked to see less prison time, but he believes Lacoste is in the process of making peace and moving forward.

As of now there is no plan to appeal, but that is Lacoste's decision, he said.