Shawn Whigham pleaded no contest to the murder of Colleen Potts this week, accepting a sentence of 20 years for second-degree murder and armed burglary with assault along with 15 years for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Whigham originally faced counts of first-degree murder, burglary of a dwelling while armed, armed burglary with assault or battery, false information to law enforcement officers regarding missing persons or felony and petit theft.
In return for the no contest plea, the prosecution agreed to reduce the murder charge and drop all but the armed burglary with assault and added possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Officers from the Fernandina Beach Police Department said they responded to a wellness check on Oct. 24, 2021. Inside the house, they said they found the body of 73-year-old Potts, who neighbors said had been pet sitting. Officers also said they found a single spent shell casing from a .22 caliber firearm not found at the scene.
In coming months, detectives interviewed Whigham on three separate occasions. During the third interview, Whigham confessed to the crime, a confession his lawyers later said was coerced.
“The statements obtained from Defendant were not freely and voluntarily given and were a result of continued and persistent questioning by a member of the Fernandina Beach Police Department under circumstances indicating intimidation or inequality between the interrogators and Defendant so as to impair his freedom of will,” the defense’s filed motion to suppress reads. “The statements obtained from Defendant were not freely and voluntarily given, and were a result of threats, promises and inducements.”
The prosecution admitted Wednesday during the sentencing it had no DNA evidence connecting Whigham to the crime, and the defense withdrew its motion to suppress Whigham’s confession.
According to court reports, officers did find shoe prints in the house not matching Potts’ shoes. During the recorded confession, Whigham also reportedly admitted to stealing $300 from Potts’ car two days before the murder and then first breaking into the house the day before the murder when it was unoccupied. His motive for breaking in was reportedly to “search the residence for items to steal.”
“Although this will not alleviate the anguish felt by the Potts family, we sincerely hope that it provides them with a sense of closure,” FBPD representatives said.
Shawn Whigham’s brother Granzie Whigham told News4Jax he still believes his brother is innocent.
“We were hoping for a better situation,” he said. “It’s not over yet. No evidence…Everything pointed to his innocence.”
hdorman@fbnewsleader.com
