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." -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
'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. -
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. -
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. -
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.