Detroit, MI
Loved ones livid after probation deal for killer of Detroit police sergeant: 'Like a punch to the gut'
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (FOX 2) – Loved ones of a Detroit Police Department sergeant killed by her domestic partner in 2019, are livid with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.
A plea reduction deal reduced her killer’s sentence to three years of probation. The decision was seismic for the loved ones of Sgt. Elaine Willaims, who have been waiting and hoping for justice ever since 2019.
“It has not been easy,” said Bodashia Grimm, a family friend.
Sgt Williams was a member of the Detroit Police Department for 14 years.
In June of 2019, the mother of two was shot and killed by her domestic partner, Eddie Ray Jr. Johnson.
“He was released from jail around COVID and he’s been out since then,” Grimm said.
But on Friday, the family and friends of Williams received another blow.
Johnson’s plea reduction came with a sentence agreement of three years probation. It comes after Johnson entered a plea of no contest to manslaughter.
“Now to hear about this plea deal that went from first-degree premeditated murder down to manslaughter is just a punch in the gut,” she said. “It’s gut-wrenching.”
Sgt Williams and Johnson had been out on the evening of June 2nd. And both had been drinking, but when they returned to their Garden City home they had an argument.
Man who killed Detroit police sergeant girlfriend gets probation after self-defense claim
Johnson was seen leaving the house with a gunshot wound. But when police entered the home Williams was dead.
The gun involved in the incident had been issued to Williams during her employment with DPD. He claimed the incident was self-defense.
“To me this opens up the door for other murders in the community that Kim Worthy will offer deals to,” Grimm said.
In a statement, Wayne County Prosecutor Kim Worthy said in part:
“In this case, where both parties were shot with the same gun, the order of events is open to multiple interpretations,” she said. “Considering our burden of proof, we believe this is an appropriate resolution. The decision to offer this plea to this defendant was not what we wanted to do, but it was the just thing to do,”
Grimm isn’t buying it.
“How could there be any confusion if you don’t have enough evidence?” she said. “Elaine is no longer here. Her children no longer have a mother.”
Detroit Police Chief James White also offered a statement which reads in part:
“This plea deal is not the outcome that the DPD wanted for Sgt. Williams’ loved ones, but we understand the unique circumstances of this case and therefore accept the prosecutor’s decision.”
Those who support Williams say they’re now focused on supporting her kids and encouraging them to not lose faith in the justice system.
“I would like Kim Worthy to step down as a prosecutor,” said Grimm. “Wayne County can do better. She make deals with the devil.”
Top left: Eddie Ray Jr. Johnson, below DPD Sgt. Elaine Williams, Williams with her children at right.
Detroit, MI
Toledo vs Pitt bowl game in Detroit today: GameAbove Time, TV, channel, streaming info
How CFP fans (probably) reacted to the first round games
After the CFP first round, Before The Snap shares a sketch take on who made it to the quarterfinals.
College football’s annual bowl game visit to Detroit has a new name. This year, the Pittsburgh Panthers (7-5) meet the Toledo Rockets (7-5) in the 2024 GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field, home to the Detroit Lions.
The Panthers lost five in a row in the ACC to close the regular season after beginning 7-0.
The Rockets were a MAC contender before losing their final two games of the regular season.
The GameAbove Bowl takes the name from what used to be the Quick Lane Bowl, won last year by Minnesota, 30-24, over Bowling Green.
Here’s the game info on Pitt vs. Toledo in the bowl game in Detroit:
Pittsburgh vs Toledo GameAbove Sports Bowl TV channel, start time
- TV channel: ESPN.
- Date: Thursday, Dec 26.
- Start time: 2 p.m. ET.
- Where: Ford Field, Detroit.
- Streaming: ESPN+ or Fubo (free trial).
What are the bowl games today?
There are three bowl games today, Thursday, Dec. 26.
- Pitt vs Toledo (GameAbove Sports Bowl): 2 p.m., ESPN
- Rutgers vs Kansas State (Rate Sports Bowl): 5:30 p.m., ESPN
- Arkansas State vs Bowling Green (68 Ventures Bowl): 9 p.m., ESPN
Watch today’s bowl games on Fubo (free trial)
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Detroit, MI
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Detroit, MI
Why Ben Johnson Coaching Chicago Bears Could Be Disaster
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s name is being floated around as a top candidate for a head coaching vacancy within the NFC North.
Johnson is reportedly intrigued by the Chicago Bears’ head coaching job, which opened after the Bears fired Matt Eberflus on the day after Thanksgiving. Some analysts viewed the Lions’ 34-17 win over the Bears on Sunday, which featured one of the most unique trick plays of the season, as an audition from Johnson for the vacancy.
It’s worth noting that Johnson turned down interest from teams across the league to remain with the Lions after last season, and could be in position to do so again depending on how the team’s season finishes.
The Bears job is one of several expected to be open, but it’s the one that Johnson has been associated closest to at this point. With the success that Johnson’s offenses have had over his three years as coordinator, and the proximity that the Bears have to Detroit as members of the NFC North, it is a natural pairing.
However, there’s more elements to a potential pairing that could be cause for concern. For starters, the Bears have struggled mightily as of late. They haven’t finished with a winning record since their 12-4 season in 2018, and have made just one other playoff appearance (2020) in that time span.
There has been disfunction throughout the organization this season, as they’ve lost nine games in a row dating back to a Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 8.
Additionally, there’s concern about the longevity of general manager Ryan Poles, and the team’s ownership, the McCaskey family, has drawn criticism from the fan base for its decision-making.
Because the Bears have struggled, and looked hapless at points, Johnson likely wouldn’t be easily enticed to inherit this situation.
MORE: Ben Johnson Expected to Interview With Bears, ‘Intrigued’ by Job
However, the Bears also do have some elements working for them. Most notably, Johnson would get the opportunity to work with 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. The USC product has shown some promise throughout a rookie season that has lacked significant wins, but one filled with promise.
Johnson had high praise for Williams when asked about him by Lions OnSI leading up to the Week 16 game. He has thrown for 3,271 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions over the course of his first NFL campaign.
It’s easy to see why the Bears would be interested in Johnson. He’s the creative architect of one of the league’s best offenses and has played a vital role in Jared Goff’s career revival over the last several seasons.
What the 38-year-old coach has done with Goff has been well-documented. If he were to strike up a relationship of this nature with Williams, he could make the young passer into one of the league’s best talents at the position.
Williams has good weapons around him that could allow him to succeed in the right scheme. Chicago could also have another high draft pick depending on where they finish, which will allow whomever takes over as coach to add another highly touted piece to the roster.
Additionally, it’s expected that the Bears will break ground on a new stadium next year with hopes of finishing construction in 2028.
Ultimately, it’s been reported that Johnson won’t interview for jobs simply to say he did it. Rather, he is expected to be selective and interview for positions that he would want to take. If he does take a meeting with Chicago, which he is reportedly expected to do, it would be a sign that he would want the job.
Johnson’s focus in the current future remains on bringing a Super Bowl to Detroit this season. If he were to do that, it would make the potential pill of him taking over in Chicago much easier to swallow. However, the Bears’ interest will make the offseason very intriguing as Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn both navigate their futures.
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