The "Friend" Down the Road: The Unsolved Murder of James Willis Parker, Jr.

It was Friday, May 1, 2009, when the Clarke County Sheriff's Office received a frantic call from the granddaughter of Mr. James Willis Parker, Jr. After failing to be able to make contact with her grandfather, the young woman went to check on him--finding him dead in his home.

Deputies responded to the scene and entered the residence. It was clear Parker had been dead for days -- possibly as early as Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. It appeared that Parker had been beaten to death. Investigators believed the motive to be robbery as Parker's black 1987 Chevrolet pickup, four firearms, and his wallet were missing from his residence.

Crime Scene at Mr. Parker's Home

The vehicle and stolen items were eventually found in Columbus, Mississippi, which was two hours away from Mr. Parker's home. The suspect had sold some of the items before crossing the state line.

That suspect was Stacy Maurice Johnson, who was 31 at the time. Though he had ties to Mississippi having been born in Laurel, Johnson was raised in Gary, Indiana. Most recently, he had been living right down the road from Parker. It turns out that 72-year-old Parker had befriended Johnson, lending him help and showing neighborly kindness. Sometime between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, it is believed that friendship ended in betrayal.

After robbing and killing Parker, Johnson was believed to have taken his truck, meeting up with a woman at a casino in Philadelphia, Mississippi, and then making his way north to Columbus. He sold off several of Parker's belongings. Once law enforcement had enough evidence, an arrest warrant was issued. Johnson eventually turned himself in to authorities in Gary, Indiana, after realizing he was being hunted--not just by Mississippi deputies, but by Indiana State Police and the FBI. He waived extradition and was brought back to Clarke County.

At Johnson's initial appearance, his bond was set at $450,000. Johnson was formally charged with capital murder and held in the Clarke County Jail. The District Attorney at the time felt confident in trying Johnson for stealing Parker's truck and other items but did not believe that there was a strong enough case to convict him of taking Parker's life.

Johnson was ultimately convicted for theft and sentenced to five years in prison. He was never charged or convicted of the murder of James Willis Parker, Jr.

If you have any information about the murder of Mr. James Willis Parker, Jr., contact the Clarke County Sheriff's Office or submit an anonymous tip to Mississippi Crime Stoppers.