Murder Suspect’s Trial Approved to be Moved to Another County in Alabama

William Chase Johnson’s trial was approved to be moved to another county in Alabama. The murder suspect’s lawyers argued that their client could not receive a fair trial where the victim previously served as a sheriff.

William Chase Johnson, 21, of the city of Montgomery, was charged with capital murder in connection with the killing of Sheriff John Williams, then 62, in 2019. Reports say Williams was shot to death at a gas station in Lowndes County in Alabama.

An article in Fox News states that on June 21, Circuit Judge Bert Rice ordered that the trial of the murder suspect be moved to another county. In January, Johnson’s lawyers argued that their client could not receive a fair trial due to the heavy coverage of the media in Lowndes County.

In addition, reports say a courthouse was also renamed after the murdered sheriff. Rice eventually granted the defense team’s request and announced that the venue will be scheduled at a later time. Nonetheless, the prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty for the murder suspect.

READ ALSO: Colorado Family Receives $19 Million Settlement In Police Shooting During Mental Health Crisis

Murder Suspect’s Victim

According to an article in Moulton Advertiser, Williams was well-known throughout the Lowndes County as “Big John” for his build and structure. In 1978, the sheriff started as a reserve deputy before transferring to the Hayneville Police Department. Thereafter, he returned to the sheriff’s office and became chief deputy before being appointed sheriff in 2010. In the end, Williams spent more than 40 years serving the community.

READ ALSO: Maryland Man Charged With Shooting Wintergreen Police Officer, Assaulting Two Men