LAFAYETTE PARISH, Louisiana — In a gripping trial unfolding at the Lafayette District Court House, Joseph Sylvester, a key figure in the case of the double murder of aspiring model Ashley Metz and her boyfriend Brouklynn Hill, shocked the courtroom with his testimony. Sylvester pointed the finger at his uncle, Joshua Willis, as the one responsible for the brutal killings.
The trial centers around Willis, who is facing two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Metz and Hill. Sylvester detailed how Willis allegedly shot and killed Hill before setting ablaze the vehicle the couple was in. He then claimed that Willis coerced him into accompanying him to Metz’s house, where she met a similarly tragic fate. According to Sylvester, Willis bound Metz, took her to another location, and fatally shot her before setting her vehicle on fire.
Sylvester’s credibility was called into question by Willis’ defense attorney, who highlighted Sylvester’s criminal history and his motives for testifying against his uncle. Sylvester had made a plea deal with prosecutors, admitting guilt to obstruction of justice and aggravated burglary in exchange for a reduced sentence and his cooperation in testifying against Willis. The defense pressed Sylvester on why he had not come forward earlier about his uncle’s actions and his seemingly passive role during the murders.
One particularly tense moment in the trial occurred when the defense mentioned Sylvester’s rap lyrics, which alluded to violence and murder, drawing a connection to the double homicide. Sylvester maintained that his music was purely for entertainment purposes. The bodies of Metz and Hill were discovered in separate locations, both inside burned vehicles, and were later identified as the victims of the harrowing crime.
As the proceedings continue, with the potential of a life sentence or even the death penalty looming over Joshua Willis if found guilty, the case serves as a stark reminder of the darkness that can infiltrate lives and communities. Sylvester’s testimony has been a pivotal aspect of the trial, shedding light on the events leading up to the tragic deaths and the complex web of relationships entangled in this heart-wrenching case.