Driver in Janesville shooting sentenced

William Terrell Peavy, 32, was sentenced to 48 months in state prison for his involvement as driver in the drive-by shooting which took place July 26 in Janesville. The sentence was for discharging a firearm toward an occupied motor vehicle or building.

During the November 28 hearing, Waseca County Attorney Rachel Cornelius stated, “I would like to remind the court of the seriousness of his actions. A man is paralyzed because of this shooting. I’m amazed that on a weekday at 3 p.m. there were no other injuries.”

Cornelius then told the court many concerned Janesville residents have reached out to her regarding the shooting. “We need to send a message that we take these things seriously,” she concluded.

Peavy pled guilty; his defense lawyers suggested a sentence of 41 months, which is considered “bottom of the box” for this offense. The State of Minnesota, however, recommended a sentence of 58 months. District Court Judge Carol Hanks determined that somewhere in the middle was the correct decision for this case.

“I truly believe you were at the wrong place at the wrong time,” Hanks stated. “But you’re part of something that’s negatively affected a community. And Minnesota law places the driver in the same position as the shooter.”

Hanks acknowledged that Peavy had zero prior criminal history, was a proven productive member of society, and showed remorse for his actions. However, she reminded him that his involvement in the shooting as the driver left a man paralyzed, adding that she could appreciate why the state recommended the 58-month sentencing.

Another factor to Peavy’s sentencing was his cooperation with law enforcement, including giving a truthful statement to police.

During the trial, a victim called in via Zoom to give a brief impact statement. “I feel like the courts aren’t doing the work,” he claimed. “You’re only taking statements. From where I am, the shooter is the same as the driver.”

Several family members and friends came to Peavy’s defense. First to speak was Bannon Arkadie. “We worked together for all of our friendship,” he said. “Will has saved many lives and is the most helpful, kind person you could meet.”

Capri Pickett, who has known Peavy since 2005 and is the sister to his girlfriend, claimed that he is an outstanding father. Tammy Rogers, mother to Peavy’s girlfriend, stated that she “couldn’t ask for a better man than Will.

 “He’ll do whatever you ask of him,” she said.

Jamel Johnson, another friend, talked about the youth basketball program he and Peavy started in Waseca. “He works all the time to take care of his family,” he said. “We do make mistakes, but he will continue to try and stay positive. I know he will. That’s my bro right here. He’s a great guy. That’s the Will I know.”

Peavy was the last to speak. “I want to express one last time that I’m truly sorry about what happened in Janesville. I read about it every day. I wish I could go back, but I can’t. It’s a terrible isolated incident that should have never happened. It hurt many families.”

Peavy was taken into custody immediately and transported to St. Cloud prison. Of the 48 months he has been sentenced to, Peavy will serve 32 in prison (with 76 days’ credit for time already served). If he is on good behavior, he will spend the rest of his sentence on supervised release. Since Peavy is willing to cooperate for a lower sentencing, he will be expected to testify at the hearing of Devonte Phillips, the shooter in the incident.

“Good luck,” Judge Hanks said to Peavy at the close of the sentencing. “And remember, this is only temporary. This is the start of a new beginning.”