Biography of Andy Williams
In 1986 the
best selling novel was Stephen Kings "IT," the top box office hit was
"ALIEN" and the #1 song for 1986 was "AND THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR"
and Charles Andy Williams was born on February 8, 1986, at Frederick Memorial
Hospital, in Frederick, Maryland..Andy weighed in at 7-1/2 pounds and
was 22" long. Andy was born about 2 weeks-prematurely by C-section and
remained in the hospital for a week before going home with his family.
The first
8 months of his life, Andy lived with his Mom, Dad and his brother Michael
in an apartment in Frederick right off the "Golden Mile." In the latter
part of 1986 Andy moved with his family to Fort Detrick, home to the US
Army Medical Research & Material Command.
Linda, Andy's
Mom, was serving in the US Army. In June of 1989, when Andy was about
3 years old, his Mom was assigned to the Middle East. On leave at Christmas
Andy's parents decided to divorce. Linda returned to Middle East to complete
her assignment and Jeff took care of the boys. In 1990 Jeff and Linda
separated and was subsequently divorced. Andy remained with his Dad and
his brother Michael went to live with his Mom.
Again Andy
and Jeff moved, this time to Hagerstown, Md. The two of them returned
to Frederick in 1992 and in 1993 Jeff bought a house in Knoxville, Md.
right at the Brunswick City limits. Jeff and Andy settled into their new
home and immediately Andy became known at the "kid with the smile.'
Andy attended
kindergarten and later attended Brunswick Elementary...Andy was an excellent
student and seemed to enjoy school. He made friends easily and became
involved in sports. Andy was very active in sports through out his time
in Brunswick.
Here in Maryland,
Andy grew up to become a caring and loving person. Surrounded by a circle
of caring friends in the very small communities of Knoxville and Brunswick
where he and his Dad made a home, a place that Andy loved dearly. Brunswick
is a quaint, safe place to grow up. It was here that Andy spent his happiest
years, going to school and playing sports. He liked different organized
sports and school activities. Friends in Maryland saw Andy as, extremely
friendly, personable and always smiling and he always did his best.
He played
baseball from 1992-99 with teams from Fort Detrick, PVYA and Brunswick
Little League and Jefferson Valley Baseball. From 1994--1999 Andy, played
football with Brunswick Railroaders. In 1998, they went to the Super Bowl
and the Railroaders won!! In 1993 Andy played soccer on a Ft. Detrick
soccer team and he was always ready for a quick pick up game of basketball.
Throughout
his school years, in Brunswick he did his best, winning numerous achievement
awards...In 1993 he won the SUPER SCIENTIST AWARD for outstanding science
project work. He also won the Hardee's Outstanding Achievement Award---his
prize was a "Free Cool Twist Cone." He won 2nd place award for the Pass--Punt--and
--Kick competition. In 1999, while attending Brunswick Middle School,
he was selected as one of the 7th Grade-- Student of the Month. The award,
that meant the most to Andy was when he received the "Coaches Award"
for the Railroaders football team.
Andy continued
to thrive in Brunswick with his friends, sports and school..His best friend
Scott, likes to tell the story about the frog and the mouse...It seems
he and Andy were walking one day and found a frog in a puddle..Scott hit
the frog with a stick and it died..Andy was very upset and made Scott
stay there with him to be sure the frog was dead. Andy asked him "How
would you feel if a giant frog came by and hit you with a stick and you
died"? Scott says that Andy always had a thing about animals. Andy would
catch field mice and turn them into pets. Then when they died Andy would
make little cardboard coffins for them and he would make Scott attend
the funeral he had for his mice. Andy would even make little tombstones
for their graves. Many friends tell of the great times they had with Andy..his
caring for the elderly and helping carry in groceries and shoveling sidewalks,
when the snow would come.
Andy went
on to attend Brunswick Middle School and was running for Class President
when in 1999 his Dad decided to move to California. Jeff's parents lived
in 29 Palms and they decided they wanted to be closer to family and leave
all the snow and cold weather behind. Andy did not want to leave Maryland
and his friends, but soon after arriving in 29 Palms he was making friends
and enjoying spending time with his grandparents.
In the fall
of 1999, Andy was enrolled in the 8th grade at 29 Palms Junior High School.
Andy was chosen to play Linus in the school production of "You're a Good
Man, Charlie Brown." Also, while attending 29 Palms School Andy met Brian
Burdette and they became the best of friends. Brian suffered from a crippling
muscle disease and was frequently bullied by other students. Andy stood
up for him and in the short time they had together they both made a difference
in each others lives. Jeff and Andy attend 29 Palms Baptist Church and
Andy joined the church and the was involved with the youth group there.
In the summer
of 2000 Jeff and Andy moved from 29 Palms to Santee, California. Andy
was enrolled at Santana High School.. an environment so totally different
from Brunswick, Md. Andy never felt wanted or accepted at Santana. In
February of 2001, just before Andy's 15th birthday, his friend Brian Burdette,
was killed in a bus-related accident.
And then
came March 5, 2001--
Andy arrives at
Juvenile Hall
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Andy was
taken into custody at Santana High School, questioned by the police and
later that evening was transferred to Juvenile Hall. Andy remained at
Juvenile Hall until his sentencing on Thursday, August 15, 2002.
While at Juvenile Hall, Andy was a model inmate. He completed 2 years of high school,
be came adept in the art of origami and marked his growth on the wall of his one-person
cell. When Andy was taken into custody, he was of slight build--5 feet-5-inches tall,
110 pounds. While at Juvenile Hall he grew to nearly 6 feet and about 150 pounds,
He spent his time reading and writing letters while the Public Defender unsuccessfully
fought to have Prop 21 declared unconstitutional. After the ruling by the Supreme Court,
that Prop 21 was constitutional Andy was taken back to court to be tried as an adult.
On June 20, 2002 Andy pled guilty to the charges and his sentencing was
set for August 15. On August 15, 2002 Andy was sentenced to 50 years to
life and ordered to serve his time in the Youth Offender Program at Tehachapi
State Prison until his 18th birthday at which time he would be transferred
to adult prison. Andy was given credit for the 529 days that he had served
in juvenile Hall, fined $10,000.00 and ordered to pay restitution to the
Victims Restitution Fund.
Present for the sentencing were many long time supporters,
some from out of state and local supporters, family and friends.
That evening a candlelight vigil was held in front of Juvenile
Hall to protest Andy being tried and sentenced as an adult.
On, Saturday, August 17th Andy was interviewed by Diane Sawyer
from Prime Time and according to a spokesperson, for ABC,
they received more letters and emails about thatinterview
than they ever received about any show they had aired.
On Monday, August 19, Andy was transferred to Tehachapi which is located about
90 miles north of Los Angeles.
While at Tehachapi Andy continued to be a model inmate and earned his high school
diploma. At Tehachapi Andy was placed with another inmate, Parker. They both did
very well and their friendship continues today. They write each other, whenever they
can, and both look forward to being reunited someday.
On March 1, 2004 Andy was transferred to adult prison where
he continues to be a model inmate, is taking college courses
and hope someday to be free.
During the time, that Andy has been incarcerated, he has had the support
of his family and friends. He looks forward to their letters, their visits
and he calls his family and friends, whenever he can.
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Arraignment
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Sentencing
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Andy enters plea
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