Apple Valley man sentenced to 10 years for ex-girlfriend's murder

In Apple Valley, Minnesota, Willie Selmon was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the second-degree murder of his ex-girlfriend, Michelle McGill. The incident occurred on July 10, 2022, when Selmon visited McGill's home to retrieve personal belongings. During this visit, a confrontation ensued between Selmon and McGill's son, Billy Pryor Jr., who brandished a firearm and began shooting, injuring Selmon and ultimately killing McGill. Court records indicate that Selmon pleaded guilty to the charges in June, with the prosecution initially seeking a much longer sentence of 261 months, nearly 22 years. However, the defense successfully argued for a reduced sentence, claiming that the crime was less severe than typical cases and that Selmon was likely to respond well to probation. This argument was supported by a departure report that highlighted Selmon's amenability to rehabilitation. The tragic event unfolded in the driveway of McGill's residence, where both she and her son were present in separate vehicles. Despite Selmon's attempt to shield himself by moving towards McGill's vehicle, the gunfire continued, resulting in McGill being struck multiple times. An autopsy later confirmed that she died at the scene due to her injuries. This case underscores the complexities of domestic violence situations and the legal system's handling of such incidents. The sentencing reflects a significant departure from standard sentencing guidelines, raising questions about the implications for future cases involving similar circumstances.