ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – An Ithaca man pleads guilty to first degree manslaughter.
41-year-old William Marshall admitted to intentionally causing the death of Alan Godfrey in Tompkins County Court Thursday. Godfrey was found fatally shot near Taughannock Boulevard early on the morning of July 20th, 2021, setting off a months-long investigation. Marshall was previously charged with second degree murder before his trial was delayed.
“The defendant brutally killed Alan Godfrey and devastated his entire family,” said Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten. “In pleading guilty today, the defendant accepted responsibility and will be held accountable for taking Alan’s life. This resolution will also spare Alan’s family from an extremely traumatic and upsetting trial.”
The prosecution will seek the maximum 25-year sentence in State Prison for the crime, along with 5 years of post-release supervision. Marshall was required to waive his right to appeal. He’s currently serving a 33-month sentence for a 2022 federal gun conviction for possessing a firearm as a prior convicted felon. He’ll remain in Tompkins County Jail until sentencing.
“The most important consideration to me is that Alan’s family supports the plea to First Degree Manslaughter,” said Van Houten. “Nothing the justice system can do will ever feel like enough of a punishment for what William Marshall did. But we intend to vigorously argue for the maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.”
Marshall’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 13th and 14th, 2023, before Tompkins County Judge Joseph R. Cassidy.
