WILSON, N.C. -- For three years, James Arthur Johnson has been in jail, awaiting trial for the murder and rape of 17-year-old Brittany Willis. The NAACP said it is a crime Johnson did not commit.

"We're here because we believe an injustice has already been committed in the carrying out of this case,” said William Barber, president of the North Carolina NAACP, “and will be further committed if things proceed in the same direction."

Barber said Johnson knew about the crime and went to police to tell them what he knew; he knew another teen, Kenneth Meeks, Jr., raped and killed Willis. Lawyers said because Johnson turned Meeks into authorities, Meeks then implicated Johnson in the crime.

Meeks has since changed his story.

"Meeks said he falsely accused James [Johnson] of being involved in the crimes because he was angry James had reported Meeks to the police," explained Al McSurely, a lawyer for the NAACP.

Meeks has already been sentenced to life in prison without parole. Johnson is still in jail, awaiting trial, under a $1 million bond. It is a situation Johnson’s family finds very frustrating.

"They always say innocent until proven guilty but that's a misnomer,” said Arthur Johnson, James Johnson’s father. “In this country, you are guilty and you have to prove your innocence, and we know that very well."

Johnson parents are hopeful the NAACP can now help find justice for their son. The group’s legal team says it will work to get a continuance for Johnson's trial, which is set to begin in July. Lawyers also plan to push for a reasonable bail amount for Johnson.

A third man, Julian Deans, has also been implicated in the Willis murder. Deans is charged with accessory after the fact of first-degree murder. He is out on bond and is also awaiting trial.