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Joe Willis accepts plea deal after killing one man and shooting two detectives

Posted at 7:00 PM, Nov 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-24 19:00:09-05

Joe Willis had his day in court today. This all started in early February when police say Willis used a hammer to kill Christopher Jones in his Glen Burnie home.

Willis took off in Jones' car. Hours later, Detective Scott Ballard tried to pull Willis over and Willis shot him in the face.

Detective Ian Preece then followed Willis. Willis fired several rounds at Preece hitting him. Preece slammed his car into Willis's car to stop the pursuit.

RELATED: Gunman accused of killing man, shooting Anne Arundel detectives arrested

After shooting the officer, Willis ran into a home. Police eventually broke into it and arrested Willis. Willis admitted to killing Jones and shooting the two officers. He accepted a plea deal today.

States Attorney Anne Colt Leitess and Assistant States Attorney Jason Steinhardt tried the case. The family was pleased with the outcome.

"I'm OK as a mother can be, losing her only son. He was a beautiful person and you know, he is with the lord now and that's ok. We all miss him terribly."

Willis pled to one charge of 1st degree murder and 2 charges of attempted 1st degree murder. Those charges come with a penalty of the possibility of life in prison.

Jones's mother acknowledged it was hurtful for both families, her losing a son and another family seeing their 22 year old son facing 3 life terms.

Circuit Court Judge Michael Wachs says he would like to have Willis appear in person for the sentencing scheduled for March 12th.