Brittany Willis, 17, of Wilson, was kidnapped, raped and murdered in June 2004, authorities said, but controversy surrounds James Johnson, one of two suspects in the case.
Howard Boney, who retired Thursday as Wilson County's district attorney, said the high-profile case that divided the Wilson community was handled properly and that allegations of prosecutorial misconduct are not "meritorious."
Superior Court Judge Milton Fitch issued a prayer for judgment in the case, meaning no sentence will appear on James Johnson's record and that the case will be listed as pending indefinitely.
Opening arguments are expected to begin Monday in the high-profile case involving the June 2004 shooting death of Brittany Willis.
Jury selection began Monday in the high-profile case of a man accused of helping to cover up the 2004 shooting death of a Wilson teen. Testimony in James Johnson's trial begins next Monday.
Jury selection in the high-profile case is scheduled for the week of Feb 9 in Edgecombe County and the trial is set to begin in Wilson the week of Feb. 16.
James Johnson is charged as an accessory to the June 2004 shooting death of 17-year-old Brittany Willis.
A Wilson man who spent more than three years in jail charged with capital murder and rape has filed a complaint against the public defender who initially represented him.
In an exclusive interview, David McFadyen talks with WRAL's Kelcey Carlson about his decision to handle the emotionally charged murder case of Brittany Willis and defendant James Johnson.
The state NAACP says it's hopeful W. David McFadyen Jr.'s appointment to the case will bring a resolution to allow Johnson to get on with his life.
The man convicted of killing Brittany Willis more than three years ago talks about the controversy surrounding James Johnson in an exclusive interview with Fox 50's NC Wanted.
Rep. G. K. Butterfield Jr., D-N.C., wants the U.S. Department of Justice to review whether James Johnson's constitutional rights were violated.
A grand jury has indicted James Johnson on accessory after the fact of first-degree murder in the 2004 death of Brittany Willis.
Family members, friends and others gathered Friday night on the steps of the Wilson County Courthouse for a candlelight vigil in honor of a slain teen.
More than 300 people showed up at court Friday morning to show their support for a 17-year-old Wilson girl who was shot to death more than three years ago.
The special prosecutor in the James Johnson Case says any comments attributed to her on James Johnson's possible sentence are false.
The family of Brittany Willis is expressing disappointment about how the criminal case against James Johnson has been handled, criticizing the NAACP and others.
After appearing in court Friday, charged with accessory after the fact, James Johnson said he will keep fighting to prove his innocence.
Why James Johnson waited three days before going to police when he says he helped another man clean evidence at a murder scene is one of many factors a judge or jury would have to consider if the new case goes to trial.
A murder charge against a Wilson man who spent three years in jail awaiting trial have been dismissed, but James Johnson faced a new charge Wednesday of accessory after the fact in connection with the 2004 shooting death of Brittany Willis.
The special prosecutor appointed to review the murder case involving James Johnson is not giving the case a fair look, the North Carolina NAACP said Tuesday.
A U.S. Congressman is calling for a federal probe to determine whether a Wilson man's constitutional rights have been violated.
Dozens rallied in Downtown Raleigh Sunday night demanding that all charges against James Johnson be dropped.
The NAACP's Web site is carrying a petition asking for charges to be dropped against a man charged in the kidnapping, rape and murder of a Wilson teenager.
In jail three years before being released on bond for his alleged role in a 17-year-old Wilson teen's death, James Johnson speaks out as he waits to see if he goes to trial for the high-profile murder case.
A Forsyth County prosecutor will review a murder case involving a Wilson man who supporters say spent three years in jail awaiting trial for a crime he did not commit.
The North Carolina chapter of the NAACP on Tuesday called on state legal associations to add to their ethical bylaws a phrase that "prosecutors in criminal cases should not discriminate upon race."
The trial of James Johnson for the 2004 murder of a Wilson teen was put on hold Monday. A judge reduced his bond and approved the appointment of a special prosecutor.
James Johnson is charged with the 2004 rape and murder of Brittany Willis. Johnson's trial was set for Monday, but his attorney said he won't be surprised if the trial doesn't begin as scheduled.
Supporters of James Johnson, including the NAACP, are petitioning state leaders before he goes on trial for the murder a Wilson teenager. They say Johnson is the victim of retribution.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People held another rally Sunday night for James Johnson. He was accused of the 2004 murder of a Wilson teenager.
James Johnson will soon go on trial for the murder of a Wilson teenager. His father hopes the trial will provide the answers needed to set his son free.
The NAACP is taking action against Wilson County District Attorney Howard Boney Jr.
The trial of a man charged with the 2004 kidnapping and murder of a Wilson teenager has been delayed for at least a month. Some say he's wrongly accused.
James Johnson has been in jail for nearly three years. He is charged with the kidnapping, rape and murder of 17-year-old Brittany Willis. His family claims evidence proves he's innocent.
After three years in jail, a man accused in the rape and murder of a Wilson teen will soon have his day in court. However, a second man already convicted of the slaying said he acted alone.
Enjoy Bloomsbury Bistro's 3-Course Menu $50/Couple
Want to Live Downtown Raleigh- condos for $220k!


