Testimony in the “Big John” Williams capital murder case ended Tuesday with defendant William “Will” Chase Johnson telling the court that he didn’t know Williams was the sheriff and that he feared for his life when he shot him.
Williams, the popular Lowndes County sheriff, was shot and killed the night of Nov. 23, 2019, while dispersing a large crowd at a downtown Hayneville convenience store. Johnson, 22, of Montgomery, faces capital murder charges in the case.
Prosecutors allege that Johnson knew Williams was the sheriff when he shot him in the face. The defense is arguing that Johnson was unaware Williams was the sheriff and shot him in self defense after the sheriff allegedly pushed Johnson into the cab of his pickup truck and placed a pistol to his head.
Witnesses testified that Williams was not wearing a uniform that night and was driving an unmarked vehicle. Testimony also brought out that it was common for Williams to work in civilian clothes, and drive unmarked vehicles.
Lawyers will have a charge conference Tuesday before retired Escambia County Judge Bert Rice, who is presiding. That conference will determine how Rice instructs the jury on how the law applies to the case, before the panel begins deliberations. The conference will also determine any other included charges the jury can consider. Both sides are set to give their closing statements to the jury at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.