Convicted murderer spared sentence of life without parole

A man convicted of murdering his business partner in a marijuana-growing operation won’t receive the state’s harshest penalty — life without parole — because a circuit jury could not reach a verdict Monday recommending the sentence.

Joshua Williams, 27, was found guilty on Sept. 1 of murdering Jamil Khan, 24, his collaborator in the pot operation whose body was dismembered in April 2010 and disposed of in the trash, according to Williams’ statement to police. The remains were never recovered.

Williams, though, still faces a life term with the chance of parole for the murder.

The same jury that found Williams guilty of murder, commercial promotion of marijuana and related charges returned to court and heard city prosecutors ask for a verdict last week that would allow the judge to enhance the usual sentences.

Prosecutors asked for a finding that the murder was particularly heinous to warrant a life term without parole.

After deliberating Friday afternoon and a half-day Monday, the jury could not agree that the murder and other charges warranted the extended terms. They also rejected the enhanced sentencing on two other charges.

Deputy Prosecutor Kristine Koo expressed disappointment but said she appreciated the jurors’ hard work. She said prosecutors will ask that the sentences run consecutively.

Williams’ lawyer, Myles Breiner, said he will ask that the sentences run at the same time, which would result in a life term with parole. He said the jurors’ decision Monday sends a message to the court not to impose a longer sentence.

Williams did not testify during the trial, but told the jurors last week he feels extreme remorse for killing Khan.

Judge Karen Ahn is scheduled to sentence Williams on Feb. 27.