Closing arguments to start Wednesday in “Big John” Williams trial
The defendant in the capital murder case of Lowndes County Sheriff “Big John” Williams took the stand Monday.
23-year-old William Chase Johnson recounted the events that lead up to the fatal shooting — and his subsequent arrest.
Johnson took the stand in the courtroom and detailed the events of November 23, 2019.
It was the night Johnson shot and killed Lowndes County Sheriff Big John Williams at the QV gas station in Hayneville.
An incident Johnson said would never have happened if he had known Williams was the sheriff.
Johnson testified that he got out of his truck and started yelling at Williams when he saw Williams aggressively interacting with his friend about loud music.
Johnson said when Williams turned his attention to him, he went back to his truck and got his gun.
But by that time he get out of his truck, Williams pushed him back into the vehicle.
Johnson testified that Williams had a hand on his throat and a gun in his face when he shot Williams.
During cross examination, prosecutors recounted testimony earlier in the trial from the friend Johnson said he was trying help.
Johnson’s friend testified that Johnson was the aggressor and that Williams identified himself as the sheriff.
After the defense rested, prosecutors then called two more witnesses. Both testified that they did not see any injuries or marks on Johnson’s body after the incident.
One of the witnesses was an ALEA agent who helped investigate the shooting. He testified that Johnson was the only person interviewed during the investigation who said Williams had a gun out.
Closing arguments will start Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
