Paul Williford pleads guilty

A former Tulsa newspaper carrier accused of attempted murder was in a Tulsa County courtroom on Monday. <br/><br/>News on 6 reporter Heather Lewin was in the courtroom when Paul Williford entered a surprise

Monday, April 10th 2006, 10:35 am

By: News On 6

A former Tulsa newspaper carrier accused of attempted murder was in a Tulsa County courtroom on Monday.

News on 6 reporter Heather Lewin was in the courtroom when Paul Williford entered a surprise guilty plea in court Monday, admitting to strangling a 75-year old woman nearly to death in her home.

Tulsa County prosecutor Bill Musseman: "I'm satisfied that he pled. I think that it allows now the victims of this case to get on with their lives and not have to think about the upcoming trial."

Willifordâ€™s plea is what's called a blind plea. The DA hadn't offered Williford a plea deal when he decided to admit his guilt in court. It was supposed to be a simple pre-trial hearing.

Court records show Williford intentionally didn't deliver her newspaper, then went back with it later and convinced the victim to let him in. Williford said in court Monday, he went inside intending to kill her. The victim's granddaughter scared him away.

Williford also pleaded guilty to sexual battery, robbery and burglary in the first degree.

The judge sentenced him to life in prison.