RALEIGH -- The state NAACP held a fund-raiser at a Raleigh church on Sunday night for a man who is charged with a murder he says he didn't commit. James Johnson is out on bond while outside prosecutors review his case.

Dozens came out to participate in the rally rallied, showing support and donating to his legal defense and scholarship funds. Johnson says wants to start a new chapter in his life.

"Right now, I'm preparing for school at Cape Fear Community College,” he said. “I'm just trying to get my life back on track."

Johnson is charged in connection with the 2004 kidnapping and raping of Wilson teenager Brittany Willis. Another man already confessed to the crime and says he acted alone.