COLUMBUS, Georgia (WRBL) – A week after his arrest for the murder of 5-year-old Kamarie Holland, Jeremy Williams was back in a Russell County court on Monday afternoon.
It’s a gag order issued by District Court Judge David Johnson last week. It prevents anyone involved in the case – from law enforcement to potential witnesses – from publicly commenting on evidence in the case.
Johnson tries to thread a needle between the public’s right to information and the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
For now, Johnson will keep the evidence a secret.
Jeremy Williams was tried Monday afternoon when his attorney and prosecutors argued over a gag order from Judge Johnson.
Williams faces the death penalty if convicted of the murder of Holland. After Kamarie’s mother filed a missing person report, the little girl’s body was found last Monday in an abandoned house in Phenix City where Williams once lived.
Man charged with the murder of Kamarie Holland was previously arrested in Muscogee County on charges of simple battery family violence and cruelty to third degree children
Williams is represented by Attorney Chuck Floyd. He argued that if the gag order were lifted, a fair trial was unlikely.
Russell County’s chief assistant Rick Chancey expressed concern about incorrect information appearing on social media platforms. Chancey says the sheriff and prosecutor have no way of counteracting the misinformation.
“We tried to ask that it be restricted to our ability to speak broadly and got a little explanation about it,” Chancey said after the hearing. “The clarification I got from the court order is that the order will stand. And we’re better off not talking than talking. I do not want to violate the order of the court. “
Chuck Floyd was careful in his words when asked if it would be of benefit to his client.
“I think it was a win for the judicial system – the legal system,” said Floyd.
Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor was also cautious during a post-hearing interview.
“The investigation is still considered a capital murder investigation into Mr. Williams for the murder of the five-year-old,” Taylor said. “I can’t tell where we stand with the evidence. And that is clear and I will not violate the order of the judge. “
Suspect charged with murder after missing 5-year-old’s body was found in Phoenix City
Last week Williams told the court he didn’t want a lawyer and Floyd was appointed to advise him. On Monday, Williams notified the judge he had reconsidered and Johnson appointed Floyd as defense attorney.
Johnson stressed that he was not restricting “legitimate media coverage”.
The judge indicated that the Ledger Enquirer and WRBL were in the courtroom for today’s hearing.
Kamarie Holland’s funeral will be held at the Taylor Funeral Home in Phenix City on Wednesday morning. Public viewing is also tomorrow at the Taylor Funeral Home from 3pm to 5pm
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