Woman Convicted After Deputy’s Death During Raid in Florida

A woman in Polk County, Florida, United States of America, has been found guilty of second-degree murder and multiple other charges in connection with the death of a young deputy who was killed by friendly fire during a law enforcement raid at her home.

On September 11, 2025, 49-year-old Cheryl Lynn Williams was convicted of second-degree murder, resisting an officer without violence, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of methamphetamine. The charges stemmed from a 2022 raid that ended in the death of 21-year-old Deputy Blane Lane.

The incident occurred on October 4, 2022, when deputies responded to a tip regarding Williams, who had an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court on a prior methamphetamine possession charge. Williams, who has a history of 11 felonies and four misdemeanors, previously served nine years in prison from an 11-year sentence for trafficking meth.

According to investigators, deputies arrived at her home and were directed inside by a witness. While one deputy remained outside in a tactical position, the others entered the house. Williams soon emerged with a silver handgun, later determined to be a realistic-looking BB gun, and pointed it at the officers.

In the exchange of gunfire that followed, Williams was struck and injured. Deputy Lane was also shot and later died at a hospital from his injuries. Williams recovered and was taken into custody.

Sheriff Grady Judd of Polk County stated after the conviction that Williams’ actions directly led to the death of Deputy Lane, who had only joined the sheriff’s office earlier that year in January.

Williams now faces sentencing following the guilty verdict. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has pledged to honor Deputy Lane’s memory and support his family.