WILSON, N.C. – James Johnson supporters say they know he is innocent because of the evidence in the case.

 

 

Brittany Willis, 17,  was killed in June 2004. She was taken from a parking lot while running an errand. Her body was later found at a construction site. Johnson is charged with accessory after the fact in her murder.

 

He was originally charged with her murder and was held for three years before being released last September on a reduced bond.

 

Another man, Kenneth Meeks, is serving a life sentence for the crime.

 

On Sunday, the NAACP rallied to get the new charges against Johnson dropped.

 

Those supporters said he was treated unfairly in this case and should have never been treated as a suspect, but only as a witness. 

 

The group also raised money to help with legal costs for the remaining charge against Johnson.

 

A grand jury is expected to hear testimony in relation to that charge on Monday.

 

People at the rally expressed concern for the Willis family and said they sent their prayers out to them. However, they say that along with the community, the family was lied to.

 

 “If anyone is not clear as to why we are here, we are against a criminal justice system that is broke and must be fixed,” said Rev William Barber, leader of the North Carolina NAACP.

 

On Friday supporters of Brittney Willis gathered outside the courthouse also seeking justice in this case.

 

They said that they are not condemning anyone in this matter, they only want justice.