Judge sentences Brooks to life in prison

Former Lakewood Ranch High quarterback Tim Brooks received a life sentence without possibility for parole in the July 13, 2008, shooting death of William White Jr.

Manatee Circuit Judge Debra Johnes Riva delivered the sentence Jan. 4. Brooks also received a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years on an armed robbery charge.

The sentencing comes about one month after a jury convicted Brooks of murder. According to testimony, White and his friend, Jakob Cunnien, drove to the 1600 block of 27th Avenue Drive East to sell marijuana to Brooks and his friend Cody Rogers, a 2008 Lakewood graduate and River Club resident. Assistant State Attorney Art Brown told jurors Brooks and Rogers, armed with pistols, robbed White and Cunnien when they arrived.

Witnesses said they saw Brooks pull his weapon and aim it inside the vehicle. He also ripped a necklace off White’s neck. According to Manatee County Sheriff’s Office reports, White attempted to drive away during the robbery. Brooks shot inside the vehicle, hitting White in the neck.

For coverage following last month's verdict, click here.