Clemency rescinded for Columbia County crimes
The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles has rescinded an earlier vote granting tentative clemency to a man serving multiple consecutive life terms. Willie Johnson was convicted in 1986 for a series of brutal crimes in Columbia County. His convictions included rape, aggravated sodomy, and armed robbery.
The tentative clemency prompted protests from residents in opposition to the decision. They cited the nature of the crimes and the fact they involved an attack on a woman who was four months pregnant.
Columbia County District Attorney Bobby Christine issued a statement Tuesday thanking those that opposed the tentative clemency vote and the Board of Pardons and Paroles for reversing its earlier decision.