A man from Lansing, Michigan has been convicted of second-degree murder, despite authorities not finding the victim’s body or the murder weapon.
An Ingham County Circuit Court jury convicted Willie James Jr., 57, for the 2021 murder of Andrew Watson II last week. The jury’s decision came largely via forensic evidence, “including the presence of Watson’s blood in James’ vehicle.”
According to reports, Watson disappeared in January 2021 with between $10,000 and $15,000 after he went to play poker at the suspect’s house.
currently serving time at a Michigan correctional facility for a 2014 crime
James’ conviction comes while he is currently serving time at a Michigan correctional facility for a 2014 crime. While out on parole for his 2014 conviction, James committed the murder that returned him to the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) to serve out his sentence.
James maintained his innocence in court, instead casting the blame on his son, who is currently serving time for an unrelated murder.
The Circuit Court jury concluded that James was tied to Watson’s disappearance and that evidence suggested James’ vehicle played a “critical role either as the murder scene or as a means of transporting the body.”
James’ sentencing is scheduled for April 15.
