Johnson cleared of most charges
James Johnson spent more than three years behind bars awaiting trial in the Brittany Willis murder case.
WILSON, N.C. -- A special prosecutor dropped rape, kidnapping and murder charges against James Johnson because of a lack of evidence.
Johnson was charged in connection with the 2004 rape and murder of Brittany Willis. He was released from jail on reduced bond in September after spending more than three years behind bars awaiting trial.
Kenneth Meeks, who confessed to the crime, originally told investigators Johnson was involved but recanted and has since maintained he acted alone. That led the courts to turn the case over to a special prosecutor.
Although the most serious charges have been dropped, officials have filed a new charge against Johnson of accessory after the fact of murder. Johnson told police he went to the crime scene with Meeks and to a car wash to clean Meeks' vehicle.
His family tells News 14 Carolina they plan to fight the new charge, but that Wednesday's developments are a major relief.