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With a Macon County jury seated, testimony began Tuesday in the trial of William Chase Johnson, charged with capital murder for the 2019 shooting death of Lowndes County Sheriff “Big John” Williams. Attorney General Steve Marshall, whose team is prosecuting the case alongside District Attorney Charlotte Tesmer, announced Wednesday he would attend the trial Thursday morning.

Johnson changed his plea from not guilty by reason of mental defect to not guilty last week. Attorneys for the prosecution and the defense delivered opening statements Tuesday morning, before witnesses began taking the stand Tuesday afternoon.

Witness testimony described the events surrounding Williams’ death and Johnson’s team has mounted a case of self defense before the 16 jurors — 12 active and four alternates. Eye-witness accounts have been coupled with that of Williams’ widow.

Testimony is expected to continue as both sides present their arguments.