Man Gets 23 Years After Hair Weave Argument Ends In Senseless Death

Women often have these discussions about wanting a man who is able to defend her honor. But that might be overrated and dangerous, particularly if the woman is an instigator and the man has problems controlling his anger.

Because you could potentially end up in a situation like the one involving 21 year old Denzel Holder. Yesterday, Holder, from Brooklyn, was sentenced to 23 years in prison for shooting and killing Shawn Williams,27, over an argument about hair weaves.

The argument turned full-out brawl took place in 2011. According to the New York Daily News, a group of young women started arguing after one made a comment about “the inappropriateness of hair extensions and the victim’s girlfriend took offense.” Bottles were thrown, punches were exchanged and eventually the other girl called her boyfriend, Holder.

Holder ended up shooting Williams three times, killing him.

Supreme Court Justice Alan Marrus described the case very succinctly: “It started with a group of women who had a foolish argument over a hair weave. What a senseless tragedy.”

Indeed.

And surprisingly, even though there were several witnesses, the jury didn’t find Holder guilty of murder but the lesser charge of manslaughter back in February. The judge, Marrus, could have sentenced Holder to as little as five years but decided to sentence him to just two years shy of the maximum: 23 years. But Holder could get off in 17 with credit for time served and good behavior.

Holder spoke to Williams’ family saying, “I can’t imagine how you feel. I’d like to express my sincere apologies for your loss.”

Williams’ mother Deirdra Haynes said Mr. Holder left a hole in her heart. Unsurprisingly, they weren’t pleased with the outcome of the trial.

Williams’ father Leonard Saunders said of Holder, “He still got a chance to live. He has a chance to have a life after (prison). It’s not fair.”

What do you think about Holder’s sentence?