Special Prosecutor Denies Comments on James Johnson Case

Winston-Salem, N.C. — The Forsyth County prosecutor appointed to re-examine evidence in a 2004 Wilson murder case says any comments attributed to her on James Johnson's possible sentence are false.

In a news release issued Wednesday, Belinda Foster said "any reports of alleged comments attributed to her regarding any sentence which might be imposed" against Johnson "are false and that no such comments were made by her."

In a Dec. 29 letter to the editor to The Wilson Daily Times, Brittany Willis' family said the case has become more about race and political motives than seeking justice for the victim.

The letter criticized Foster, who was appointed to look at the case, saying she told the Willis family that Johnson "was definitely involved more than he admits" and that she told the family "the charges were correct," that "enough evidence was present and the case would be pursued."

Foster said professional rules of conduct prohibit such comments and further comments about the case.

Johnson, 21, is charged with accessory after the fact in Willis' death. She was raped and shot and left in a field in June 2004.

Johnson was held in the Wilson County jail for more than two years while waiting trial. He was allowed a $1 million secured bond after prosecutors stopped seeking the death penalty in December 2006. Bond was reduced in September to $60,000 when Foster was appointed to the case.

Johnson has denied being involved in Willis' death but has admitted to helping clean evidence while under duress. He went to police three days later.

Foster was appointed to look at the case in September after the Wilson County District Attorney's Office turned the case over amid a high-profile campaign by the North Carolina conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to dismiss the case against Johnson.

The group maintains Johnson's innocence and has said he should be treated as a witness who helped investigators solve the crime.

Last month, the NAACP also criticized Foster for her handling of the case. Through her office, Foster has said that neither the NAACP's public statements nor other public comments were a factor in her decision to reduce the charges against Johnson.

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If I remember correctly, there was no physical evidence nor was there any DNA evidence that linked Johnson to the murder. Yes, he is guilty of destroying evidence and withholding evidence. And did he not pass the polygraph test-which is not admissable(sp) in court. I guess it would be correct to assume that every crime that some of you have witnessed have been reported to the proper authority-whether it was someone running a red light, stealing, jaywalking or loitering. And not those crimes are not as heinous as a murder, but the same concept is applied. A crime is a crime no matter how insignificant it appears to be. Some you are saying "lets it go to trial and see how it plays out" but yet. some of you are condemning him for what you think you know. Some of you are criticizing the NAACP for what you say are racial motives, but aren't some of you condeming this young man with the same motives?

ctechic2004
January 4, 2008 8:50 a.m.

I hope to see everyone at the Wilson County courthouse bright and early tomorrow morning at 8:30 is you need specifics contact me at bmforbes@peace.edu. Thanks!

wilson88
January 3, 2008 8:44 p.m.

"Now that the charges have been dropped to what they should of been from the start,.." eksodystech1

You sound so sure of this, were you there? If not, please elaborate.

syracuseinwonderland
January 3, 2008 2:21 p.m.

Is no one listening? The charges are not what they should have been from the beginning!!!! He should be charged with murder and a judge and jury needs to hear from witnesses and be presented whatever evidence there is! I can't believe a jury would accept the word of his accomplice that he did it by himself. That whole scenario is SO unbelievable! Let a jury decide!! Not a DA!! She is an attorney--not a crime investigator!! She had no business circumventing the judicial process!! Let the people who are professional investigators present their evidence!!!!!!!! To a jury!!!!!

twc
January 3, 2008 2:15 p.m.

I'm delighted to see all the support for Brittany! He's guilty, guilty, guilty!!! Take that NAACP! He's a punk boy. Golo Editor???