The man convicted in the shooting death of Moody Police Lt. Stephen Williams in 2020 was sentenced to death Wednesday.
Tapero Johnson is one of two suspects in the June 2, 2020, ambush of Williams. Police said the officer was responding to the Super 8 in Moody when he was shot on arrival. Williams was taken to UAB, where he died, and two people were taken into custody.
Johnson and Marquisha Tyson were charged with capital murder. Tyson has a status hearing on Friday in St. Clair County.
Williams was described as a loving father and dedicated police officer.
Just months before his death, Williams made local headlines with a video of him giving treats to an American bulldog named Champ.
Although he was a sergeant at the time of his death, Williams was promoted to lieutenant posthumously by then-Chief Thomas Hunt. Williams spent the last three of his 23 years in law enforcement with the Moody Police Department.
He was named Officer of the Year in 2019.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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