The trial is underway for William Chase Johnson, the man charged with capital murder in the 2019 shooting death of Lowndes County Sheriff “Big John” Williams.
Attorney General Steve Marshall attended the trial Thursday in Macon County. Marshall’s team and District Attorney Charlotte Tesmer are prosecuting the case.
Opening statements began Tuesday morning, and testimony started Tuesday afternoon. The testimony came from eyewitnesses, investigators and Williams’ wife.
Prosecutors said the sheriff was trying to disperse loiters who were playing loud music at a Hayneville gas station when he was shot in the face.
The defense claims Johnson killed the sheriff in self-defense.
Johnson, 18 years old at the time of the crime, pleaded not guilty. He is now 23. His father was a sheriff’s deputy in Montgomery County.
If convicted, Johnson faces the death penalty or life in prison without parole. He is considered innocent until proven guilty.
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