Rico Rodrigus Williams, Second Degree Murder, District of Columbia 2023
Former Air Force Senior Airman Convicted of Second Degree Murder in Connection with Gang Initiation Ritual Gone Wrong
In a shocking turn of events, former U.S. Air Force senior airman Rico Rodrigus Williams, 33, was convicted of second degree murder and witness tampering charges in connection with the death of Army Sergeant Juwan Johnson in Hohenecken, Germany, in 2005.
According to the government's evidence, Williams was the leader of a gang, the Gangster Disciples sect, in Ramstein, Germany. On July 3, 2005, Williams and others gathered in the small town of Hohenecken near the Ramstein Air Base, and killed 25-year-old Johnson in a gang initiation ceremony.
The evidence presented at trial showed that the defendant and others struck Johnson with their fists and kicked him. Johnson died the following day from blunt force trauma injuries, including hemorrhaging to the brain and heart.
Williams later attempted to intimidate and made threats to another witness with the intent to hinder communication to law enforcement regarding Johnson's death.
Williams is the sixth person to be convicted of charges in the investigation into Johnson's death. Airman Nicholas Sims, Army Private Terrance Norman and Army Sergeant Rodney Howell were convicted in military court proceedings of involuntary manslaughter. Airman Jerome Jones was convicted in military court proceedings of conspiracy to commit assault, obstruction of justice, gang participation and other charges. Army Specialist Bobby Morissette was convicted in military court proceedings of gang participation and other charges.
The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christine Duey of the Criminal Division's Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Long-Doyle of the District of Columbia. The case was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Chesapeake Police Department.
Williams faces up to life in prison. U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman has not yet scheduled a sentencing date.
Key Facts
- State: District of Columbia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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