Murder case against Johnson dismissed at preliminary hearing

A murder case against a former Wayne County football standout was dismissed after a preliminary hearing Tuesday.

Justice Court Judge Charles Chapman said the case against Drexler Dwight Johnson, 36, of Leakesville, was dismissed after further evidence was released during the hearing. Anyone charged with a crime can request a preliminary hearing during their initial appearance, which Johnson did during a June 20 initial appearance. The courts must grant that preliminary hearing within 14 days of the initial appearance.

During such a hearing, the presiding judge hears from both the prosecution and the defense, with evidence being presented as well. The judge then rules to either dismiss the case or remand it to a formal trial.

Johnson was charged with murder in the first degree after John Harris Walker, Jr., 52, was found dead in the 300 block of Clara West Road. Indications are that some type of altercation occurred that led to Walker's death. Johnson was arrested and charged, with Chapman originally setting his bond at $1 million cash.

Chapman said preliminary results from an autopsy indicated that Walker died from a puncture wound and not a gunshot wound, and that other evidence indicated that Johnson was not at the scene at the time the fatal blows were struck.

The Wayne County Sheriff's Department is continuing its investigation in the case.