Accounts of the Lowndes County sheriff's murder diverge in closing arguments

TUSKEGEE, Ala. (WSFA) – The defense and prosecution made closing statements in the murder trial of defendant William Chase Johnson on Wednesday.

The state initially stated that Johnson was the aggressor in the deadly standoff between him and Lowndes County Sheriff John “Big John” Williams on the night of Nov. 23, 2019.

In its closing statements, the state summarized the evidence against Johnson. They say he swore and barked at the sheriff. Williams was engaged to Johnson's friend and not to Johnson when he approached the sheriff.

“He brought the drama,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenny Gibbs.

The state rejected Johnson's claim that he shot Williams while he was pinned down, saying there was no blood inside the truck, only on the door jamb. Instead, they conclude that the sheriff was retreating when Johnson shot him, noting that Johnson's own testimony shows he ran from the scene with a “sense of guilt.” They also pointed out that Johnson admitted that his gun had never been in his hand before the sheriff ever touched him.

Johnson was also found to have hidden fake identification cards in the crack of a church after shooting the sheriff and before turning himself in hours later.

“They shot a man and hid fake IDs. Come on, man,” Gibbs said.

The state concluded by emphasizing that “the scientific findings do not agree with the defendant’s statements.”

“All he had to do was get back in his car and we wouldn't be here,” Gibbs said.

The defense's closing argument said Johnson was not guilty of murder because he believed his life was in danger. In addition, they pointed to a lack of evidence that the sheriff was on duty at the time.

Had Williams been on duty, the defense contends, he could have turned on his vehicle's police lights to disperse the crowd.

“When the sheriff decided he was going to go on duty, all he had to do was flip a switch and turn on his flashing lights,” said defense attorney Carmella Penn.

They also reiterated that the sheriff was not in a marked vehicle or wearing his uniform.

“If John Williams had identified himself, Will would not have been in fear for his life,” said defense attorney Terry Luck.

The defense further pointed out that while there was no blood in the truck, there were blood splatters on Johnson's clothing, saying that was because he was underneath the sheriff at the time the shot was fired.

The defense also pointed out that the sheriff's gun was found under his body with blood on it.

“How did the gun get under him if he didn’t draw it?” Happiness is called into question.

The defense also rejected the state's contention that running away from the scene was an act of guilt because Williams' son began shooting at Johnson after he saw his father get shot. Johnson, it is said, ran for his life.

After the case is sent to the jury, they can reach four possible verdicts: murder, murder, manslaughter or not guilty.

More than 100 spectators were present at Wednesday's hearing, including many police officers.

Jury deliberations are expected to begin Thursday morning.

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