Mistrial declared in alleged Capital Murder of Alabama Sheriff; new trial to follow

TUSKEGEE, Ala. (WRBL) - The capital murder trial of William Johnson, accused of shooting Lowndes County Sheriff “Big John” Williams, ended in a mistrial Tuesday after jurors informed the court they could not reach a unanimous verdict. This mistrial now sets the stage for a retrial at a later date.

Johnson, now 23, was 18 when he allegedly shot the sheriff on November 23, 2019, at a gas station in Hayneville. Johnson is the son of a law-enforcement officer. Sheriff “Big John” Williams, known for his towering presence and over 40 years in law enforcement, was a beloved figure in Lowndes County. 

The incident began when Sheriff Williams, who was off duty and not in uniform, went to disperse a crowd. The defense argues Johnson acted in self-defense, claiming he did not know Williams was a law enforcement officer. Johnson testified during the trial he had exited his vehicle when he saw Williams confronting a friend. According to Johnson, Williams grabbed him by the throat and pointed a gun at him.

A photo provided by the Elmore County Ala. Sheriff's Office shows William Chase Johnson, a suspect in the fatal shooting of Lowndes County Sheriff John Williams Saturday night, Nov. 23, 2019 in Haynesville, Ala. (Elmore County Ala. Sheriff's Office/Montgomery Advertiser via AP)

Prosecutors say the facts of the case indicate Johnson shot Sheriff Williams because he was mad. 

Jurors had the option of convicting Johnson on lesser charges, including murder or manslaughter, but could not come to a decision.