Press Release  Man Sentenced in Easter Sunday Shooting

Lynn, Massachusetts — A 47-year old man who was convicted of 2^nd degree murder, armed assault with intent to murder, human trafficking and firearms charges will serve 42 years in state prison before he can seek parole. 

Judge Timothy Feeley sentenced William A. Cash to life with the possibility of parole after 25 years for the murder; 10 years to 10 years + 1 day for the armed assault to murder; and 7 years to 7 + 1 day for one of the human trafficking counts to be served consecutively.  He also imposed sentences for the other convictions that will be served concurrently.

A jury found Mr. Cash guilty of second degree murder, armed assault to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily harm, assault and battery dangerous weapon by means of discharging a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm and 2 counts of human trafficking on September 20^th.

 In her sentencing argument, Essex ADA Susan Dolhun stated that the victim, Leonard Clement, “was a truly innocent person who was trying to defuse an argument.  The loss to the community is incalculable.”  She further stated that Prince Belin, the man who Mr. Cash shot, was seriously injured and “was fearful of going outside.”  Mr. Belin died of an unrelated cause prior to the trial.

 “No sentence can undo what this defendant has done,” Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett said. “But this sentence is just in that it recognizes the unique pain of each victim.”

 Mr. Clement’s mother, brother and family friend provided impact statements before sentencing.  Family members of Mr. Belin submitted written impact statements.

ADA Dolhun was assisted at trial by Essex ADA Kristen Buxton and Essex Victim Advocate Cristina Garcia. ADA Dolhun thanked Essex State Police Detective Steve Buccheri and Lynn Police Detective Tim Ferrari.

 The defendant was represented by Attorneys Kirsten O’Brien and Robert Sheketoff.

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