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Teen bound over to grand jury for murder
Published Wednesday, October 21, 2009
NATCHEZ — At 16 years old, Jamon Williams doesn’t look old enough to shave, much less kill a person.
But that’s what he’s accused of, and the baby-faced suspect in the Sept. 25 death of 62-year-old John “Body Man” Henderson made his initial appearance in Natchez Municipal Court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.
A preliminary hearing is used by the court to establish if there is probable cause to charge a person with a given crime. During the hearing a number of witnesses testified about the events of the night Henderson received the critical head wound that would claim his life the next day.
Some of the witnesses only gave a small part of the story.
Willie Thomas was sitting on the porch of his Madison Street residence at the time of the incident.
“All I saw was four little boys walking and I saw Body Man walking toward them,” Thomas said.
At first, Thomas thought the boys and Henderson knew each other, but then someone with him said they thought the group was going to fight.
“They were having words,” Thomas said.
He testified that he looked away, and when he turned around Henderson was on the ground.
Naomi Walton was sitting on her porch on Beaumont Street that evening when Henderson passed her, she said.
“He told me, ‘Hi, young lady,’ and I said, ‘Hi, young man,” Walton said.
Shortly thereafter, she left, and on her way back home Walton saw two young males running near Martin Luther King Jr. Street. She recognized one of them as a fifth-grade student she taught.
Passing Madison Street, she saw Henderson on the ground, surrounded by a crowd, but did not stop.
She testified she never saw Jamon Williams.
The most revealing testimony came from James Williams, 20, who testified he and Jamon, along with two of their cousins — who were minors — walked to a store in the area.
The group later met up with two other individuals, James Williams testified.
A statement from one of the minors, read by Natchez Police Investigator Joe Belling, said the group bought juice and chips at the store.
The group sat on the steps of Cathedral School for a while before heading for home, and James Williams said he and one other person were walking ahead of the group. He had headphone speakers in his ears.
James Williams said he didn’t see or hear the incident, but one of the other boys ran up to him and got his attention.
“One of the guys ran up and said, ‘They did something stupid, they did something stupid,’” James Williams said.
That person ran on, and James kept walking until a man in a white truck pulled up next to him and demanded he get in and identify the person responsible for injuring Henderson, he said.
James Williams refused, eventually meeting his mother on a different street.
In court, prosecuting attorney William McGehee had James Williams read the statement he made for police following the incident in which he said he saw Jamon hit Henderson.
Belling read a statement from a minor that said that prior to going to the store the group had run into Henderson and Jamon had harassed him, while the others told him to leave Henderson alone because he was an old man.
One of the statements referred to Jamon as “Tootie,” and said that on Madison Street he bumped into Henderson, and Henderson grabbed his shirt.
The statement said Jamon handed his cup to someone and, “Tootie reached back as far as he could and hit him.”
When Henderson hit the ground, the noise was, ‘as loud as a gunshot,” the statement said.
Hospital notes from Henderson’s treatment refer to a wound to the back of his head caused by a blunt object, but police have since said they believe that Henderson hit his head when he fell, causing the significant brain damage that killed him. Formal autopsy findings have not been released.
That evening, an officer on patrol discovered Henderson on the ground, and initially the case was treated as a simple assault, and was upgraded to an aggravated assault before becoming a murder case at the time of Henderson’s death, Belling said.
Based on the evidence presented Tuesday, Jamon Williams’ attorney Tim Cotton said charges against Williams should be amended to involuntary manslaughter from the current second-degree murder count.
Had it not resulted in death, the punch Jamon allegedly threw would not have resulted in a felony charge, Cotton said.
“That one punch, under normal circumstances, would not be likely to cause death,” Cotton said.
“There has been nothing here to indicate any intent to cause serious bodily harm.”
McGehee disagreed.
“The consequences of that act were not unforeseeable,” he said.
Judge Jim Blough declined to change the charges, and bound the case over to the grand jury, stating he found that Williams had provoked the incident and the state had produced probable cause.
The grand jury can upgrade, downgrade or drop the charges against the defendant.
While he had the judicial privilege to set bond in the matter, Blough declined to do so and said he would leave that up to the district attorney’s office.
Comments
Posted by mrbobo (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 12:56 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by juju (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 1:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Did I understand this correctly? The 'group' got a snack and strolled home after one of them just fatally punched an old man out?
Posted by steveholmes (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 4:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
NO, JUJU YOU HAVE IT ALL WRONG....WHY DONT YOU READ BETTER AND UNDERSTAND WHAT U READ BEFORE YOU COMMENT....6TH GRADE EDUCATION MAYBE?
Posted by NAMVET (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 4:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Whatever became of felony assualt on senior citizens ??
Isn' t it a felony to assault any senior citizen ????
Just a bunch of kids out for a good time in Natchez ???
What is our country coming to ????
Posted by timefertruth (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 5:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Based on the evidence presented Tuesday, Jamon Williams’ attorney Tim Cotton said charges against Williams should be amended to involuntary manslaughter from the current second-degree murder count.“That one punch, under normal circumstances, would not be likely to cause death,” Cotton said When Henderson hit the ground, the noise was, ‘as loud as a gunshot,” the statement said, But the punch did cause death, he should be charged with first degree murder and put up for execution, murder is murder I don't care what these lawyers say a man is dead and this murderer did it and should be punished for it to the max, STUPID LITTLE MURDERING PUNK!!!!!!!
Posted by gerandall58 (Greg Randall) on October 21, 2009 at 6:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"There has been nothing here to indicate that there was any intent to cause serious bodily harm" . REALLY , a 16 year old young man hitting an old man as hard as he could hit him , and he meant no bodily harm !!! Soooo all we have to do is say we didn't want to hurt someone , we just wanted to hit them !!! NICE DEFENCE
Posted by ProNatchez (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 6:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
According to the story,if I understand it correctly, this is not the first altercation he had with Mr Henderson. He had words with Mr Henderson on the way to the store and then came back afterward and had words with him again. So he bumps into Mr Henderson accidentally/intentionally and when Mr Henderson grabs his shirts he punches Mr Henderson and hard as he can.
If that is what happened, I doubt they could get a first-degree (premeditated) murder conviction, even though coming back a second time makes it premeditated. They can get second-degree though. He probably never intended to kill the man, but he did do it. He has to pay for it. He committed a violent act on an old man just because he could, and it went too far. Now he will probably go to jail for the rest of his life. What a waste.
Posted by adamstanton (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
no one saw a thing, just happened to look away , this bunch and bunches like them are the root of the problem in this country, they didn't get here on there own someone brought them to this planet and those parents are to bear some of the guilt when you have a 16 year old committing crimes of this nature.
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 7:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Was John “Body Man” Henderson the man that walked around town picking flowers?
Posted by guzzler44 (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is Cotton in private practice or is he the public defender?
Posted by SIOUXLADY (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
NO MATTER WHAT.. ALL OF THEM DESERVE SOME TIME.
THIS IS VERY TRAGIC.
SOMEONE HAS TO PAY FOR THIS MAN'S DEATH.
IF THEY ARE AQUITTED, THEY WILL BE BRAGGING ABOUT WHAT THEY DID AND GOT AWAY W/IT.
JUDGE BLOUGH HANDLE YOUR BUSINESS.
Posted by snowgarden (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This was a horrible thing and I am deeply sorry that this man died from the event. However, I have to agree with the kid's attorney here. There was a fight. The kid hit the guy and unfortunately, he hit his head hard enough to cause extensive and unltimately fatal injuries. BUT, according to the law, that should be involuntary manslaughter.
Posted by pbl1978 (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No, Old GrandDad. Judge Blough, Thank you. Pray and Hope that the District Attorney, think the same. This will only be a door open for other's young teenagers, if this young man get away with this crime. My heart and prayers goes out to both side.
Posted by Shorts (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Keep in mind that this is not ultimately up to the judge. The jury will decide his fate. So when the grand jury reduces the charge and he gets a sentence that is within the sentencing guidelines for the crime, don't blame the judge as everyone is so quick to do...blame the jury comprised of your peers and your legislatures that wrote the law.
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
pbl1978, Thanks. I guess that was one of those Natchez rumours...
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
depending on who is on the Grand Jury, .....
likely charge and sentence will be reduced though
a little confusing the way the story is reported, it does sound like Henderson and Williams met twice on the street, and that the situation was provoked by Williams, I don't think the boy intended to kill Henderson, but he certainly intended to do serious bodily harm, so it looks like second degree murder to me,
yes there needs to be a serious example set by this so the other teenagers walking the street won't be so quick to jump on and gang up on innocent people walking alone....
Posted by lsutigerfan (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OldGrandDad,
The man who walks around picking flowers is named Maurice. But you just made me realize that I haven't seen him in several weeks.
Posted by troypage (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yep ! None of this would not have happened if these pack roaming kids were raised in the first place . Raised to respect societal laws and especially their elders . Miss. needs to do like Texas and make it an automatic felony for putting your hands on senior citizens . These kids deserve whatever a hard nosed prosecutor is able to build against them . And hood momma's , at least know where your pack roaming kids are . That's the least you can do , especially since they are basically wards of the state anyway .
Posted by Teacher4life (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I see several problems in the line of work I do. Kids, in general believe they should be able to get away with anything. They don't believe any teacher or any adult, for that matter has any right to tell them what they can or cannot do. I cannot believe that people would say that Jamon did not mean to kill the man. I don't care if he meant to, if you hit someone there is always a possibility. If an adult was to hit a minor after getting mad he/she would go to jail and be brought up on murder charges if the child as killed... And that's exactly how it should be. We need to protect our young people, but adults need to be protected, too
Posted by ladybuggs (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All of them were together fighting Mr.Henderson so why the heck all not charged? Mr. Henderson was so kind, gentle and so very respectfull person I just can't picture him pulling on that boys shirt . All those boys - wanna be men needs an old fashion butt whipping, oh put I forgot the parents are afraid of them!
Posted by rayford (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A number of years back in Africa, villages near an animal preserve were having trouble with "rogue" juvenile elephants trampling their huts and crops and in some cases the villagers themselves.As it turned out poachers had killed all the adult bull elephants in the preserve for the ivory.Another preserve that was better managed loaned a few of their adult males to the preserve with the "rogue" problem.Almost overnight the problems ceased.
The point is that until a strong male presence is instilled in the youth of today these problems will only get worse.
I would also like to add for the fellow posters on this site ,the reference to Africa was in no way a reference to race being a part of the problem.
Posted by mslugirl (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ladybuggs is right, if they run in packs, they should be charged in packs. Have they never heard of guilt by association?? That's what I was taught.
Posted by TRON601 (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We always say there needs to be an example set for others. People, this isnt the first time a crime like this has happened, and this isnt the first time we have seen or heard about the consequences thereof. I am 26, grew up in Natchez all my life, and I have turned out fine. Regardless of a male prescense in my life or not, I was able to distinguish between right and wrong by the time I was 16. Last I read, this kid was a high school drop-out. Now this is a mistake not only by HIS PARENTS, but also by himself for wanting to do it. School is free. All you have to do is go and learn. My point is, it all comes down to personal desire for success and accomplishment. Obviously, this kid didnt want that. Do we blame the parents here still? Or do we agree that this was just an illegitimate decision his part?
RAYFORD: I agree with what you said, but at the same time, these kids are old enough to distinguish between respect and disrespect. Right and wrong. Good and bad. It just like driving down the road and the speed limit is 45 but you do 70 just because. They chose the latter of all these, so this is the consequence. I hope they get the hammer because they chose the easy wrong over the hard right. How simple is it to settle this difference like gentlemen. Im sure Mr. Henderson would have chose to do this instead of dying because some kid hit him and made him crack his skull. The accused here decided that proving a point by being a young bully over this old man was the right way to go. Now its too late to think about what he did and where he's going to end up as a result. Our beloved city is already on the chopping block enough as is. Natchez is already deadening on its own. Our children, who are the future of this city, doesnt need to help the bad along by doing things like this.
Posted by msopenminded (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW troy!!!....tell it like it is dear!!!
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lsutigerfan, I hadn't seen the Maurice lately either. I never knew his real name. I just called him Blossom, because he always gave me flowers.
Posted by justthefacts (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, I agree also "rayford" having a male role model in your life makes a huge difference. Just ask "michael kelly stevens" and "william ferrell". I'm sure they wished they had a male role model in their life or they would not be sitting behind bars right now either!
Posted by bigred (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I never knew Maurice's name either. We all call him "Cowboy" because of his hat. Come to think of it, I haven't seen him in several weeks, either.
Posted by NAMVET (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is nethier here or there----- this young "PUNK" yes I said
young "PUNK" killed a senior citizen for no apparent reason!!!!!! There are LAWS that have been in place for a
long time that is supposed to help protect our "SENIOR CITIZENS". If you are over the age of 55 you are concidered
as a senior citizen, so why would a 16 year old want to
attack a man of 62 years ????? He needs to be tried by
only his peers of 55 years old and over !!!!!!
Posted by natashakubelikov (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He didn,t know how bad he had hurt the older person and he,s a minor.
Posted by Barrister (anonymous) on October 21, 2009 at 11:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maurice (Cowboy) is dead. I understand that he died from blunt force trauma. Hit in the head by someone about a month or two ago.
Posted by ladybuggs (anonymous) on October 22, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Barrister what was his last name ? did he have a funeral why wasn't there a wright up in the paper about what happen to him?
Posted by mister (anonymous) on October 22, 2009 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I AGREE YES JAMON SHOULD BE CHARGED WIT CAPITAL MURDER BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT HE DID HE MURDER THAT OLD MAN SO HE IS 16 THAT OLD MAN WAS 62 I FEEL HE SHOULD DO LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE. WHY GIVE HIM A CHANCE TO DO IT TO ANOTHER OLD PERSON.
Posted by ego_601 (anonymous) on October 22, 2009 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Morris is not dead!!!!!!!!!!! However he is in Jackson in the hospital not doing well. His real name is Morris Jones ( I am a friend of the families.)
Posted by natashakubelikov (anonymous) on October 22, 2009 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If he is turned loose he will do it again. If they let him off,he will just kill somebody else down the line,they think it,s just fun and games to them that run the streets,no big deal.
Posted by NAMVET (anonymous) on October 23, 2009 at 8:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Was he thinking as a "MINOR" whenever he hit this
"OLD" man ?????? I really don't think so, because his
friends witnessed(sic) that he hit this "OLD" man as hard
as he could !!!!!!!! If he was thinking as a "MINOR" then he
would have let his concionce(sic) decide for him, instead of
his hormones. I'm a big man, watch me knock this "OLD MAN" out !!!!! So after he hit the victim he ran, and didn't
try to contact the NPD, or the ACSO !!!!! So how can anybody
think of this "PUNK" as a minor ???? Give him the shot of
redemption, 16 or 62 ------ !!!! THINK ABOUT IT !!!!!!!
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