TYLER, Texas — A Tatum man convicted of killing a missing Tyler woman in 2023 was sentenced to life in prison Thursday afternoon. 

Jesse Lee Williams, 41, was convicted of murdering Paula Belonga, 51, who was last seen on April 7, 2023 leaving her apartment complex on Paluxy Drive in her Chevrolet Impala, earlier Thursday morning within just 20 minutes of deliberations. He pleaded not guilty to the charge last week.

After about 15 minutes, the jury handed down the sentence of life with eligibility for parole. Prior to Thursday, jurors heard testimony and evidence over seven days.