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Just short of five years from the date of the murder, the suspect accused of killing beloved Lowndes County Sheriff John “Big John” Williams prepares to stand trial in October.

Williams Chase Johnson’s trial for the 2019 shooting is set to begin Oct. 7 in Tuskegee. Roughly 400 potential jurors will be summoned for consideration to ensure a panel of 100 to choose from. Judge Bert Rice will hear the trial in a Macon County courtroom.

According to District Attorney Charlotte Tesmer, a scheduling hearing was held in late August. Judge Bert Rice will preside over the trial, which was moved to Macon County to ensure Johnson gets a fair hearing.

“The judge scheduled motion days to keep both sides on track, so they are ready in October,” Tesmer said.

Williams has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. If convicted, he faces life in prison or the death penalty.

“We are partnering with Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office,” Tesmer said. “It’s very unusual for the Attorney General’s Office and the DAs office to try cases hand in hand. Marshall can come in and take over a case, but he didn’t do that. He offered to help, and we got two of his best lawyers. I have complete confidence in our trial partners.”

Johnson was 18 years old when he was taken into custody after Williams was fatally shot at the Hayneville QV on Nov. 23, 2019. He is being held in the Elmore County jail until trial.