"The Wayne County Prosecutor said Johnson shot Williams five times in front of her 12-year-old son in 2019 in their Garden City home."
(Detroit City Council approves ordinance to strip guns away from those convicted of domestic violence. Click On Detroit. October 26, 2021.)
Detroit PD Sergeant Elaine Williams Murder Case Posts:
'Rising star:' Chief Craig remembers off-duty Detroit sergeant killed in domestic shooting
FOX 2 Detroit
June 3, 2019
DETROIT (FOX 2) - Chief James Craig said the department suffered a "tremendous loss" with the death of a sergeant who was shot and killed in Garden City.
Sgt. Elaine Williams was killed in a domestic situation Sunday around 11:45 p.m. at a home in the 200 block of Belton Street, which is near Cherry Hill and Inkster roads.
Williams was a 14-year veteran with the Detroit police department and was approaching her third year of service in the rank of sergeant. Craig said she was also vigorously studying for the lieutenant exam.
"There is no doubt in my mind she would've been one of our next lieutenants," Craig added, calling her a "rising star." He said she was currently working major crimes and there wasn't a "dry eye in the room" when he went to speak with her colleagues Monday following her death.
Craig said he didn't know any other circumstances about the shooting, as Garden City Police and Michigan State Police are leading the investigation.
Williams was found dead inside the home overnight when police came to the house. A second person was found injured with a gunshot wound outside of the home and taken to the hospital. Police haven't said yet how badly the other person was hurt.
Williams leaves behind two children, a 4-year-old and a 12-year-old.
Craig added that Williams was one of those people that could light up a room, and no matter what kind of day he was having she was always able to brighten it.
Man charged with first-degree murder in shooting death of off-duty Detroit officer
MLive
Jun. 06, 2019
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office says that Eddie Ray Johnson, 35, has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of an off-duty Detroit police officer.
Elaine Williams, 34, has been identified as the officer with the Detroit Police Department killed in the incident. The prosecutor’s office also confirmed that the victim and suspect were “domestic partners at the time of the shooting.”
The incident is said to have occurred at about 11:45 p.m. June 2 in the 200 block of Belton in Garden City. Johnson is charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm, and is expected to be arraigned at a local hospital Thursday, June 6.
The prosecutor’s office says that officers discovered the “lifeless body” of Williams inside the home, and then located the suspect nearby who had suffered an injury.
“It is alleged that the defendant fatally shot the victim multiple times,” the prosecutor’s office writes in its release.
Johnson was then transported to a local medical facility where he remains, according to the update.
“By all accounts, Elaine Williams was a beloved member of the Detroit Police Department,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in the release.
“We mourn her passing. This case is a stark example of what can potentially happen in every domestic violence case. The alleged actions of this defendant will be addressed fairly and justly.”
Detroit Police Chief James Craig said that Williams is someone who “touched the community” and served as a neighborhood officer supervisor. Craig added that the case is being handled by the Garden City Police Department and Michigan State Police during a news conference.
Man charged with killing off-duty Detroit sergeant in domestic shooting
FOX 2 Detroit
June 6, 2019
GARDEN CITY, Mich. (FOX 2) - The domestic partner accused of shooting and killing a Detroit police officer was charged with murder Thursday.
Eddie Ray-Jr. Johnson, 35, has been charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm in the death of 34-year-old Elaine Williams on Sunday night.
According to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, it was around 11:45 p.m. June 2 when Garden City police officers arrived on scene in the 200 block of Belton to find Williams dead in the home. The suspect was found nearby with a gunshot wound outside the home nearby and was taken to the hospital.
It is alleged that Williams shot Johnson many times, killing her. Police say they were domestic partners.
Williams was a 14-year veteran with the Detroit police department and was approaching her third year of service in the rank of sergeant. Detroit Police Chief Craig said she was also vigorously studying for the lieutenant exam, calling her a "rising star" in the department.
"By all accounts, Elaine Williams was a beloved member of the Detroit Police Department. We mourn her passing. This case is a stark example of what can potentially happen in every domestic violence case. The alleged actions of this defendant will be addressed fairly and justly," said Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
Williams leaves behind two children, a 4-year-old and a 12-year-old.
Garden City Police and Michigan State Police are leading the investigation.
Garden City man charged in fatal shooting of Detroit cop
The Detroit News
June 06, 2019
Garden City — A Garden City man is facing up to life in prison on claims he fatally shot an off-duty Detroit police officer in a domestic incident, authorities said.
Eddie Ray-Jr. Johnson, 35, was arraigned Friday in the fatal shooting of his domestic partner Sgt. Elaine Williams, a 14-year-veteran of the Detroit Police Department.
Officials said Johnson was arraigned in a hospital. He will remanded to the Wayne County Jail once he is discharged from the hospital. A judge also scheduled his next court date for June 17.
Wayne County prosecutors have charged Johnson with first-degree murder and felony firearm.
Williams, a mother of two children who worked in the Detroit Police Department's Major Crimes Section, lived in Garden City, where the incident occurred.
Garden City police responded to Williams' home on Belton Street about 11:40 p.m. Sunday. They found Williams dead inside.
They found Johnson, who had sustained an injury, nearby. He was taken into custody and transported to a hospital.
Prosecutors allege Johnson shot Williams multiple times.
"By all accounts, Elaine Williams was a beloved member of the Detroit Police Department," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a press release. "We mourn her passing. This case is a stark example of what can potentially happen in every domestic violence case. The alleged actions of this defendant will be addressed fairly and justly."
Johnson was expected to be arraigned in the hospital Thursday.
Man charged in deadly shooting of off-duty Detroit police officer
Click On Detroit - WDIV
Jun 7, 2019
A 35-year-old Garden City man has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Elaine Williams, a Detroit police officer.
Garden City man facing murder charge in fatal shooting of off-duty Detroit police officer
Johnson also facing felony firearm charge
Click On Detroit - WDIV
Jun 7, 2019
GARDEN CITY, Mich. – A 35-year-old Garden City man has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Elaine Williams, a Detroit police officer.
Eddie Ray-Jr. Johnson and Williams, 34, were domestic partners, according to officials. Garden City police officers were sent to the home in the 200 block of Belton Street on Monday at 11:45 p.m.
Williams was dead inside the home when officers arrived, according to police. Officers found Johnson injured nearby. He was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital.
Johnson is accused of shooting Williams multiple times.
Johnson is facing a first-degree murder charge and a felony firearm charge. He is expected to be arraigned Thursday in a local hospital.
"By all accounts, Elaine Williams was a beloved member of the Detroit Police Department. We mourn her passing. This case is a stark example of what can potentially happen in every domestic violence case. The alleged actions of this defendant will be addressed fairly and justly," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said.
Hearing reveals chilling details in murder of off-duty officer
Click On Detroit - WDIV
September 04, 2019
Man accused of killing Detroit police girlfriend faces judge
FOX 2 Detroit
September 4, 2019
(FOX 2) - Doug Fields recalled the night his friends were shot in court Wednesday.
The preliminary exam was held for Eddie Johnson, charged with shooting and killing his girlfriend Elaine Williams in Garden City June 2, shooting her five times. Williams was a Detroit police sergeant.
"I heard gunshots, there was a pause, then I heard more gunshots as I was crossing the street," said neighbor Doug Fields.
Attorney: "Do you recall any issues arising?"
"Verbal arguing started in my driveway," said Fields.
Brought out in a wheelchair, Johnson is charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm for killing Sgt. Williams - inside their home on Belton Street. Elaine Williams was shot five times with four of those shots in her head.
"It would be what we describe as close range," Dr. Mildad Webb, Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office. "I would approximate about 8 to 12 inches from her face."
Neighbor Doug Fields says they all had been drinking that day and when they returned from a nearby bar, Williams and Johnson started arguing. And once inside their home he says he heard two separate rounds of gunshots.
"Eddie came out of the house, he said he'd been shot and was bleeding and holding his stomach," Fields said.
Prosecutors say Fields, who says he is Johnson's best friend, initially told police that Eddie asked him to take his son because he "didn't want him to hear the fight." He added that when Eddie came out of the house, he said that Elaine shot first.
Prosecutor: "Is that right?"
"While I was under the influence, that's what I wrote," he said. " Yes. I don't remember writing that, is what I'm trying to tell you."
The defense suggesting Wednesday that Elaine and Eddie had gotten into a scuffle - and began wrestling over the gun and it accidentally went off, nothing more.
Attorney: "Did you see any signs of any physical effects bruises, like she'd been in a fight or anything?"
"I did not," Dr. Webb said.
But Garden City police testified that Eddie initially told them that after Williams slapped, then shot him, Johnson grabbed the gun - then shot her while she charged at him. His story later:
"He picked it up and the two struggled over the gun and that's when the gun went off several more times," said Lt. Billy Smith, Garden City police.
Neighbor describes Garden City shooting that left off-duty Detroit police officer dead
Elaine Williams killed by boyfriend June 3
Click On Detroit - WDIV
September 04, 2019
GARDEN CITY, Mich. – A neighbor was called to the stand Wednesday during the preliminary examination for a man charged with killing his girlfriend in Garden City.
Elaine Williams, a Detroit police officer, was shot dead at her home in the 200 block of Belton Street on June 3. Her boyfriend, Eddie Ray-Jr. Johnson, is facing murder charges.
The couple's neighbor, Douglas Fields, described what he knew about the shooting.
Fields testified that Williams, 34, and Johnson, 35, were at a bar drinking with him and another couple. He said they were drunk when they got home about 11 p.m.
"I remember getting my son, hearing the gunshots, one or two at first, then a pause and a couple more, and I was going back across the street myself after I took my son back to my house," Fields said.
Prosecutors said Johnson shot Williams four times in the head and once in the shoulder before shooting himself as a cover-up.
"Eddie came out of the house and said he had been shot and was bleeding, holding his stomach. Looking at him, I didn't know what happened," Fields said.
Fields said he went into the house after the shooting to get Williams' son. Prosecutors claim he had to walk over her body to pull her son out of the home.
In court, Fields said he didn't remember what he told officers the night of the shooting and wouldn't reinforce his written account of events from the night.
Fields called Johnson his best friend and didn't seem anxious to answer questions.
Man accused of murdering police officer released on $10K bond for medical procedure
MLive
Apr. 02, 2021
DETROIT – A man who was being held in jail pending trial for the murder of a Detroit Police officer has been released on a $10,000 bond with a tether for a medical procedure, FOX 2 Detroit reports.
Eddie Ray Johnson is charged with first-degree murder in the 2019 death of 35-year-old Elaine Williams, a 14-year member of the Detroit Police Department and mother of two, the TV station reports. Williams and Johnson were in a relationship and lived together at the time of Williams’ death.
It is alleged that, in June 2019, Johnson shot Williams in the head at close range four times and once in the shoulder before shooting and wounding himself at their home in Garden City, the report said.
Johnson claims that he acted in self-defense. The bond granted by a Wayne County judge allows Johnson to stay out of jail until his trial, which could be in about a year, the report said.
Friends and family of Williams’ told FOX 2 they believe Johnson is a flight risk and a danger to the community. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office called the bond amount “ridiculously low” for a first-degree murder case.
Detroit Police Chief Craig blasts decision granting bond to man charged with killing DPD sergeant
Click On Detroit - WDIV
April 05, 2021
Garden City man charged with murder of Detroit officer granted bond
Kym Worthy, James Craig voice opposition to judge’s decision
Click On Detroit - WDIV
April 05, 2021
"This is a ridiculously low bond for a first-degree murder case. It was inappropriate, and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office will be appealing the court’s bond decision."
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy
WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – A Garden City man charged in the shooting death of his domestic partner, a Detroit police officer, was granted bond.
Eddie Ray-Jr. Johnson is accused of killing Elaine Williams in their home in Garden City on June 2, 2019. Police said he shot Williams multiple times.
Officers arrived at the home in the 200 block of Belton Street at 11:45 p.m. and found Williams dead inside. Johnson was charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm
On Thursday, Judge Lawrence Talon reduced Johnson’s bond from remand status to a $100,000/10% bond with a GPS tether and house arrest for a medical procedure.
“Her life was worth more than any bail amount and definitely more than $10,000,” Williams’ sister Keisha Kemble said.
Detroit police chief James Craig said he wants to know why a man accused of murdering a police officer in an act of domestic violence was given such a low bond.
“I wish that judge explained to this family and DPD family why that was done. Please let us know,” Craig said.
Worthy to appeal after court gives $10K bond to man charged in 2019 Garden City murder
FOX 2 News - Detroit
April 5, 2021
GARDEN CITY, Mich. (FOX 2) - Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said she plans to appeal the bond decision after a man charged with killing a Detroit police officer was released from jail.
Eddie Ray Johnson is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the 2019 murder of Elaine Williams at their Garden City home.
Johnson was given a $100,000/10% bond with a GPS tether and house arrest for a medical procedure after his bond was reduced last week.
Judge Lawrence Talon issued the bond. If he posts bond, Johnson will stay out until the trial, which could be nearly a year from now.
"A compassionate release? Where is the compassion for her family, where's the compassion for her children?" said pastor Maurice Hardwick, a community activist.
Johnson is accused of shooting Williams multiple times before shooting and injuring himself at their home on Belton Street on June 2, 2019.
"She was shot five times. Tragically, one of her sons remained in the home when this incident occurred," Detroit police Chief James Craig said.
Williams, a sergeant with the Detroit Police Department, was a 14-year veteran of the force when she was killed at 35. She had a son with Johnson.
"I live in Detroit, the county of Wayne, and I am disgusted," said Detroit police Sgt. Mark Young.
Williams' family and Detroit police officials are angry at the decision to let Johnson out on bail.
"Her life was worth more than any bail amount and certainly worth more than $10,000," her said Keisha Kemble said. "Our hearts are forever broke and this decision has opened a wound that will not heal."
The community is calling on the judge to reconsider the bond.
"This is a ridiculously low bond for a first-degree murder case. It was inappropriate, and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office will be appealing the court’s bond decision," Worthy said.
Talon did not return Fox 2's calls seeking comment, and Johnson's defense attorney declined to comment.
Slain cop's sister 'horrified' at accused killer's release on bond
The Detroit News
April 05, 2021
Detroit — The sister of slain Detroit Police Sgt. Elaine Williams expressed outrage Monday after the man accused of killing Williams two years ago in an alleged domestic violence shooting was released on bond last week.
During a press conference in Detroit Public Safety Headquarters, Detroit police officials echoed the criticism of Wayne County Circuit Judge Lawrence Talon's decision to release murder suspect Eddie Ray-Jr. Johnson on a tether.
Williams, a mother of two and a 14-year Detroit police veteran who worked in the Major Crimes Section, was killed June 2, 2019, in the Garden City home she shared with her domestic partner, Johnson.
Williams' 12-year-old son was home during the incident, in which she was shot five times, although Johnson reportedly removed his biological son from the home prior to the shooting.
Johnson, 35, was arrested and charged last year with first-degree murder and felony firearm. Like most first-degree murder defendants, he was remanded to the Wayne County Jail to await trial.
But on Thursday, Talon reduced the defendant’s bond from remand status to a $100,000/10% bond with a GPS tether and house arrest.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy released a statement Monday calling it "a ridiculously low bond for a first-degree murder case. It was inappropriate, and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office will be appealing the court’s bond decision.”
Keisha Kemble, the victim's sister, said during Monday's press briefing that she and her family are "horrified by the judge's decision."
Kemble's voice cracked as she addressed the press with her and Williams' father, Roy Binon, at her side. He did not speak to reporters.
"Her life was worth more than any bail amount," Kemble said. "Our hearts are forever broken, and this decision has opened up a wound that hasn't healed.
"I hope and pray that the judge would change his ruling and keep him where he belongs for killing my sister," she said. "He didn't have to look at my 5-year-old nephew and tell him his mother was dead, and watch the tears roll out of his eyes."
Neither Talon nor Johnson's attorney Ray Burkett returned phone calls seeking comment Monday, although police Chief James Craig said Johnson's release was for an unspecified medical condition.
"I'm told (Johnson) was being treated medically in the Wayne County Jail, but whatever the reasons were, if that individual needed to be released for some higher-level care, that should be done — as long as he's taken right back to jail," the chief said.
"A compassionate release for medical reasons, then directed him home on GPS tether? Unreal," Craig said. "I’ve been doing this job a long time. … I don’t recall a time when a murder suspect, a defendant awaiting trial, was released on a tether."
Johnson's release comes as Wayne County court officials are weighing bond reform and other changes, following a lawsuit filed last year by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan against 36th District Court magistrates.
The lawsuit claims the cash bail system is unconstitutional and discriminates against poor people "by locking them up because they cannot afford to pay while allowing those who have money to go free."
Craig said he supports bail reform for misdemeanors and some nonviolent felonies, "but never for people with histories of violence. It's so annoying, and there's no real accountability."
Craig and other law enforcement officials have long complained about allegedly violent criminals being released with no or low bond, although the chief said Monday a minority of judges and magistrates are making those decisions.
Last month, two suspects were freed from jail without having to post bond after they allegedly pointed a gun at Detroit officers before leading them on a high-speed chase that ended when the car plowed into a police cruiser.
"This is a conversation that we’re having weekly, when we talk about crime and suspects being released into our community who have a history of violence," Craig said. "When will it stop?"
Detroit police Lt. Donna McCord, who worked with Williams, said during Monday's press conference that she and her co-workers were "offended" at the judge's decision.
"Elaine was an advocate for those who couldn’t advocate for themselves," she said. "Did the judge take into account the emotional effects of his decision on Elaine's sons? What message does it send to other victims who are already afraid to come forward?"
Pastor Maurice Hardwick of Power Ministries Church, who is known as "Pastor Mo," called Williams "a lively, bright spirit."
"I met her in the field; she worked with misguided youth. ... She was the one who defends and protects others," he said. "Who protects her? I'm upset today. A compassionate release? Well, where is the compassion for her family? Where the compassion for her children? Where is it?"
Judge grants man charged with murdering Detroit cop $10K bond, tether for medical procedure
FOX 2 Detroit
April 6, 2021
FOX 2 - The family of the murdered Detroit police officer found out Friday that the person accused of killing her could be let out on a $10,000 bond and a tether. They are terrified about what he could do next.
A judge granted the suspect, Eddie Ray Johnson, to get out of jail for a medical procedure - and stay out until the trial which could be nearly a year from now. However, Johnson is still in police custody and has not bonded out.
"My heart just dropped hurt so bad everybody hurting right now," said Christine Begoski. "I just felt like the system has let us down."
Christine Begoske is holding her grandchildren close after learning the man accused of killing her daughter, 35-year-old Detroit Police Officer Elaine Williams is free.
"He doesn't need to be out that long," she said. "Let him get his little procedure done and go back to jail. He doesn't need to be out until January, that is a long time. My daughter doesn't get to see any sunshine, I don't get to see her at all."
"For him to be out on a tether, one thing I can say, I worked for the Department of Corrections - I worked for the absconder recovery unit," said family friend Bo Grimm. "I know in two seconds that tether can be cut and he's gone. He could be in Jamaica by tomorrow."
In June 2019, while in their Belton Street home in Garden City, Johnson is accused of shooting Elaine four times in the head at close range and once in the shoulder, before he allegedly shot and wounded himself.
Johnson claims he killed his girlfriend, who was a well-respected 14-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department, in self-defense.
But her best friend from childhood, Bo Grimm, says that is nonsense. Just days before, Elaine told her she was leaving him for good.
And knowing the couple's history of domestic abuse, Grimm said he fears what he could do next.
"He's a flight risk, a community risk, and the justice system has definitely let us down," he said. "He's going to hurt somebody else and I hope the judge can live with that."
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office isn't happy with the judge's decision which tried to argue against the reduction of bond in a statement it called "A ridiculously low amount."
Prosecutor Kym Worthy added, "This is a first-degree murder case. I think the court's bond ruling is completely inappropriate."
"She didn't deserve what she got," Grimm said. "She has two kids that can never see their mother again. They don't deal with this (just) when it happened, they have to deal with it the rest of their lives."
"Him coming here and taking my grandson and him running away and getting away with murder - that's my biggest concern," said Begoske. "And I am scared for my grandsons. They were in the house when she was murdered."
Worthy added that the Wayne County Sheriff's Department said it will be closely monitoring the defendant's GPS tether if he is out on bond.
Prosecutor to appeal release of man accused of murdering Michigan police sergeant
MLive
Apr. 06, 2021
GARDEN CITY, MI – A Michigan prosecutor plans to appeal a judge’s decision to release a man accused of murdering a Detroit Police sergeant in 2019.
Eddie Ray Johnson was being held in jail pending trial for first-degree murder until a judge released him on bond last week. On Thursday, April 1, Wayne Circuit Court Judge Lawrence Talon granted Johnson a $100,000/10% bond with a tether and house arrest for a medical procedure. He will be out of jail until his trial, which could be in about a year.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kim Worthy told FOX 2 Detroit that she plans to appeal the release. She previously called the bond amount “ridiculously low” for a first-degree murder case.
Johnson is accused in the 2019 death of 35-year-old Elaine Williams, a sergeant and 14-year member of the Detroit Police Department and mother of two. Williams and Johnson were in a relationship and lived together at the time of Williams’ death; they also have a child together.
It is alleged that, in June 2019, Johnson shot Williams in the head at close range four times and once in the shoulder before shooting and wounding himself at their home in Garden City. Johnson claims that he acted in self-defense.
Chief Craig calls judge a coward for compassionate release of accused cop killer
FOX 2 Detroit
April 9, 2021
Accused cop killer gets compassionate release by judge until trial, sparking outrage Judge Lawrence Talon allowed the release of a suspected murderer of a 14-year police veteran on $10,000 bond and a tether.
FOX 2 - Friends, colleagues, and family of the late Detroit Police Sgt. Elaine Williams rallied Friday to criticize the judge who allowed the suspect charged with her murder, to be released on a tether to have a medical procedure.
Judge Lawrence Talon also set a bond of $10,000 and is letting the accused murderer, Eddie Ray Johnson, stay out on bond until his trial date.
"We are appalled that Judge Talon allowed the defendant who murdered Elaine to bond out on a measly $10,000," said Joanna Ali Johnson, retired Detroit police sergeant. "We prayed that the judge will resend his decision and bring the defendant back where he belongs locked up."
Sgt. Williams was a 14-year veteran of Detroit police at the time she was killed allegedly by her boyfriend Eddie Ray Johnson, who claimed the shooting was in self-defense.
Documents confirm that Johnson is out on bond with an electronic monitoring unit.
"We talk about $10,000, this suspect got out for nothing. He's on a tether facing murder," said Detroit Police Chief James Craig.
Detroit's police chief is just one of the many speakers calling for the judge to do the right thing.
"This despicable action of the judge. Shameful," Craig said. "And I hope he's watching. There's one way to describe when people hide - it's called cowardly."
"We know it's not enough Wayne County sheriffs to monitor defendants on tether," said Assistant Police Chief Todd Bettison, Detroit Police Department.
A recording of a message Sgt Williams gave to students was played during Friday's call for action.
Her family said they are praying that this community support will help the judge see he is not delivering justice
"We all should all be concerned," said LaKeisha Kemble, Sgt. Williams' sister. "Because if this can happen to my sister, a dedicated police sergeant, this injustice can happen to anyone."
FOX 2 contacted Johnson's attorney who has not responded for comment.
The prosecutor's office requested Judge Talon to reconsider the reduction of bond and he declined.. The prosecutor's office says it is going to appeal that decision.
"He is held accountable by this community," Craig said. "He sits in that seat because of the community."
Family protests judge's decision to grant bond to man charged with killing Detroit police sergeant
Click On Detroit | Local 4 | WDIV
Apr 15, 2021
Judge affirms bond for alleged Detroit cop-killer
The Detroit News
April 23, 2021
Detroit — A Wayne County judge denied prosecutors' request Friday to reverse his decision earlier this month to grant bond to a man accused of killing a Detroit police officer, saying the defendant is not a flight risk or danger to society.
Judge Lawrence Talon's April 1 ruling in the case of Eddie Ray-Jr. Johnson prompted protests and sharp criticism from Detroit police; Johnson is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the June 2, 2019, shooting death of Detroit police Sgt. Elaine Williams, his domestic partner.
Talon's April 1 ruling ordered the defendant released on a tether because of an undisclosed medical condition, reducing the defendant’s bond from remand status to a $100,000/10% bond. Police chief James Craig and other officers called the judge's decision "cowardly."
Following a nearly two-hour hearing Friday in Wayne County Circuit Court, the judge denied a motion from Wayne County prosecutors asking him to increase Johnson's bond to $250,000 with no 10% provision.
Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Maria Miller said in an email Friday: "A decision will be made about appealing the judge’s ruling in the near future."
After Talon rendered his decision to uphold Johnson's bond conditions, the judge said Craig's "personal attack" against him was a "threat to democracy."
Talon said since he granted Johnson's release from jail, protesters have been picketing outside the Wayne Circuit courthouse in Detroit, and outside his Livonia home. He said someone put a picture of Williams and a letter in his mailbox Friday morning imploring him to change his bond decision.
The judge said someone also sent him text messages about the case, including a link to an April 9 Detroit News story bearing the headline: "Craig at vigil for slain cop: Judge in bond decision 'cowardly.'"
"I'm not supposed to read about the case, but you couldn't miss it," Talon said. "Right in the headline, it says my decision was cowardly.
"I believe public officials have the constitutional right to call other public officials cowardly ... but I also believe when government officials make personal attacks on judges, that it’s a threat to the independence of the judiciary, and as such it’s a threat to democracy," the judge said.
Craig responded: "I don't deny what I said. I said it on the record because that's what I felt about him. I'm deeply disappointed in his decision."
Mark Young, president of the Detroit Police Lieutenants and Sergeants Association union, who has been picketing outside the judge's house, said after Friday's hearing that the demonstrations will continue in light of Talon's decision.
"I'm just speechless," he said. "This is injustice. What message does this send to domestic violence victims? What message does this send to law enforcement?"
Talon cited several factors that prompted his decision to deny the prosecution's request to increase Johnson's bond, including evidence that suggests Williams shot Johnson first.
"Based on the Medical Examiner's testimony and the state police report, a reasonable conclusion is that the defendant was shot first," the judge said. "He claims Ms. Williams shot him first, and that he got the gun and shot her."
Talon said jurors could find Johnson guilty of crimes ranging from first-degree murder to manslaughter. "I'm not saying those will be the verdicts," he said. "I'm just saying when you look at the likelihood of conviction, they could come up with any number of possible verdicts."
Craig replied: "It sounds like (Talon) is setting up a self-defense claim for (Johnson)."
Williams was a mother of two and a 14-year Detroit police veteran who worked in the Major Crimes Section. Her 12-year-old son was home when she was shot five times, although Johnson reportedly removed his biological son from the home before the shooting.
During his arraignment a week after the killing, Johnson was ordered remanded to the Wayne County Jail. The charges were lowered to second-degree murder following Johnson's two-day preliminary examination, although Talon later reinstated the first-degree murder charge.
"Domestic violence is a terrible thing," Talon said. "But but not all violence between domestic partners means the person accused of the domestic violence is a danger to the public. They are often a danger to the other partner."
Talon said he doesn't take the protests against him personally.
"Based on the Judicial Code of Conduct, I cannot talk to you," he said to the demonstrators. "I cannot come outside. I cannot read your signs or listen to the chants, and I cannot look at the picture of Elaine Williams and the letter that was left in my mailbox this morning.
"In every case that comes before the court, when the court makes a decision, one side is going to be unhappy," Talon said. "No judge is insensitive to the pain and grief we've seen on both sides of the aisle.
"But it's my hope that, even if you disagree with my decision, I hope and trust that you'll feel you received a fair hearing. The defendant is presumed innocent."
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