Briggs Enters Plea to Second Degree Murder with a Firearm; Sentenced to 40 Years

PRESS RELEASE

The Office of the State Attorney Larry Basford announces that on January 21, 2021, Circuit Judge Ana Garcia sentenced William Arthur Briggs, 43 years old, to 40 years in the Department of Corrections, with the first 25 years to be served without gain time day-for-day, for the murder of Tammie Shrie Ash, 46 years old.

Evidence in the case established that on January 22, 2020, William Arthur Briggs shot and killed Tammie Shrie Ash at their residence on 205 Kraft Avenue, Panama City, Florida. Briggs was charged with 2nd Degree Murder with a Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Trafficking in MDMA (ecstasy).

On January 21, 2021, Briggs entered a no contest plea to the above stated 3 charges and 2 additional charges. He was sentenced to 40 years in the Department of Corrections for the murder of Tammie Shrie Ash and 5 years prison concurrent on the remaining 4 charges.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Mark E. Graham.