The Wayne County, Michigan prosecutor Defending a controversial plea deal The offer was made to a man named Eddie Ray Jr. Johnson, who admitted to shooting and killing Detroit police Sergeant Elaine Williams in 2019.
Unlike many recent officer-involved shootings, Johnson and Williams did not know each other and appear to have been romantically involved. Prosecutors say the lengthy investigation into the case, which included a chaotic scene and allegations of domestic violence, would have made it difficult for them to meet their burden of proof at trial.
The incident in question occurred on June 2, 2019, when police responded to a call at the couple’s home and found Williams dead inside, with Johnson reportedly shot in the abdomen.
According to prosecutors, the police investigation determined that Williams and Johnson had been drinking alcohol the night of the shooting, and toxicology tests showed that both were highly intoxicated at the time of the shooting. Williams’ blood alcohol level at the time of his death was reportedly 0.240, three times the normal level of intoxication. Johnson was also tested at the scene and had a very high blood alcohol level of 0.189. Neighbors reported hearing the two arguing loudly when they returned home.
When police arrived on scene, Johnson immediately claimed he shot Williams after she shot him in the abdomen. He then struggled with Williams, and shot and killed her during the struggle, according to Johnson.
Investigators say they found eight shell casings inside the home that appeared to have been discharged from Williams’ service gun after the shooting.
Considering these facts, the prosecution allowed Johnson to enter a no-contest plea to the manslaughter charge and sentenced him to three years of probation.
Prosecutor Kym Worthy explained in a statement, “I take domestic violence cases very seriously, and I also take my role as a prosecutor very seriously. The evidence was carefully reviewed by three veteran deputy prosecutors and myself. In this case, where both parties were shot with the same gun, the sequence of events is open to various interpretations. Given the burden of proof, I believe this is an appropriate resolution. The decision to offer this defendant this plea agreement was not what we would have liked, but it was the right one.”
But Williams’ family Unconvincedand slammed Worthy during and after Friday’s court hearing. “This is total bullshit,” Williams’ father said. “He was hit in the back of the head four times. This is execution. There is no way this is self-defense.”
Williams’ mother agreed: “The system has failed us. The system has failed this family. The system has failed the community.”
