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.
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Former DA defends handling of James Johnson 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."
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James Johnson pleads guilty in Willis murder case
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.
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Jury seated in James Johnson trial
Opening arguments are expected to begin Monday in the high-profile case involving the June 2004 shooting death of Brittany Willis.
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Jury selection begins in James Johnson case
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.
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Trial date set for James Johnson
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.
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Wake jury to hear high-profile case in Wilson
James Johnson is charged as an accessory to the June 2004 shooting death of 17-year-old Brittany Willis.
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James Johnson files complaint against former attorney
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.
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Public opinion won't factor in special prosecutor's decision
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.
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James Johnson Case Moves Forward With New Prosecutor
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.
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Killer Speaks Out About James Johnson Case
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.
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Congressman Wants Federal Probe in James Johnson Case
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.
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James Johnson Indicted on Accessory to Murder Charge
A grand jury has indicted James Johnson on accessory after the fact of first-degree murder in the 2004 death of Brittany Willis.
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Vigil Held to Support Family of Slain Wilson Teen
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.
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Hundreds Show at Court to Support Slain Wilson 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.
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Special Prosecutor Denies Comments on James Johnson Case
The special prosecutor in the James Johnson Case says any comments attributed to her on James Johnson's possible sentence are false.
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Willis' Family Disappointed at Murder Case's Turn
The family of Brittany Willis is expressing disappointment about how the criminal case against James Johnson has been handled, criticizing the NAACP and others.
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'Battle Not Over,' James Johnson Says
After appearing in court Friday, charged with accessory after the fact, James Johnson said he will keep fighting to prove his innocence.
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What's Next in the James Johnson Case?
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.
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Charges Reduced in James Johnson Case
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.
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NAACP: Johnson Case Not Getting a Fair Look
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.
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Lawmaker Wants Civil Rights Probe in James Johnson Case
A U.S. Congressman is calling for a federal probe to determine whether a Wilson man's constitutional rights have been violated.
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Rally Held for Wilson Murder Suspect
Dozens rallied in Downtown Raleigh Sunday night demanding that all charges against James Johnson be dropped.
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National NAACP: Wilson Murder Suspect Should Be Exonerated
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.
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Suspect in Wilson Murder Case Speaks Out
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.
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Forsyth Prosecutor to Review Wilson 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.
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NAACP Wants Increased Ethical Standards for Attorneys
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."
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Wilson Murder Suspect Out on Bond; Special Prosecutor to Be Appointed
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.
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Pressure Mounting to Drop Charges Against Johnson
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.
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NAACP, Relatives Petition State Leaders Before Teen's Murder Trial
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.
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NAACP Holds Rally for Wilson Murder Suspect
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.
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Wilson Murder Suspect's Dad Eagerly Awaits Trial
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.
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NAACP Files Complaint Against Wilson DA
The NAACP is taking action against Wilson County District Attorney Howard Boney Jr.
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Controversial Trial in Teen's Slaying Delayed
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.
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Rally Held for Man Accused of Kidnapping, Rape and Murder
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.
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Second Man Claims Sole Responsibility for Wilson Slaying
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.