D.A. Asks For Public's Patience

In a press release sent out Friday afternoon about the death of Billey Joe Johnson, District Attorney Anthony Lawrence asks the public for patience. "Please let the forensics scientists do their job and once the investigation is complete, maybe we will have the answers" Lawrence said. Many questions surround the death of the George County High School running-back. The District Attorney says he spoke with the Johnson family this past Monday and told them he is committed to a thorough and complete investigation. He cautions anyone from making speculations and rumors, saying "it is still too early to make any conclusions as to the manner of death."

At the press conference Friday afternoon, Lawrence released the incident report on the case.
The incident report filed by a Lucedale Police officer says Johnson was pulled over by a George County Sheriff's Deputy after he was identified while apparently attempting to break into a home on Lamar St. in Lucedale. The officer states in the report that when he arrived on scene where the deputy had pulled Johnson over Johnson's body was "lying on the ground outside the driver's side door with a shotgun lying on top of him and blood around his head." Click here to read the District Attorney's press release, the incident report and dispatchers log on the case.

The wake for Billy Joe Johnson is from 6 pm. to 9 p.m. Friday at Cowan Funeral Home in Lucedale. The funeral will be at the George County Middle School gym Saturday at 11 a.m.