Surprise plea deal reached in 2022 Hessmer murder case

In a surprise turn of events, the murder trial of Daniel McWilliams, his attorney informed the District Attorney’s Office that he wanted to enter a plea of guilty to the Second-Degree Murder of his mother, Lisa Mose. The murder occurred on December 12, 2022, in Hessmer, Louisiana. The jury trial was scheduled to start on January 9, 2024, with Anthony ‘Tony’ Salario as the lead prosecutor and Derek Manuel assisting.
​The murder occurred at the home of Lisa Mose, where McWilliams was living. The investigation showed that McWilliams was the suspect and that he had attempted to hide the body. The Hessmer Police Department was the responding agency and thereafter requested the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office to assist. It was expected to be a week -long trial as there were many witnesses and exhibits.
​McWilliams’ attorney, Chad Guillot informed District Attorney Charles Riddle and Tony Salario of his intent to plea. Judge Bennett agreed to delay the plea a short while to allow for the family of the victim to arrive and present for the plea. Ten to twelve family members of the victim were present during the plea.
​Riddle stated: “This is only the second time in 21 years that we have had a defendant request to waive their trial and plead guilty to life imprisonment. We know that a tragedy like this greatly impacts a family and the finality of a plea like this can bring some relief to the grieving family.”
​McWilliams waived the delays for sentencing and was sentenced to life imprisonment without benefit of probation or parole and was brought back to the jail for processing through the Department of Corrections. After he is processed he will be assigned to the prison determined by Department of Corrections.