Georgia man convicted in Alabama shotgun shooting death found dead in truck toolbox

3 days ago 3

An east Alabama man has been convicted in the 2022 slaying of another man whose body was found in a truck toolbox.

A Cherokee County jury convicted Eric Kyle Hooper, 31, of Centre, of murder in the shotgun-killing of 40-year-old LaChancey Williams, authorities announced Friday.

Williams’ body was found March 15, 2022, during road maintenance on Esom Hill Road in Polk County, Georgia. The road crew discovered a black truck toolbox that contained a body wrapped in a tarp.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified Williams, who lived in Cedartown, as the victim and said he had been shot twice. Court documents state Williams was killed on March 9.

Investigators determined the murder took place in Cherokee County, and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office took lead in the probe.

A fingerprint on the duct tape removed from the tarp around Williams’ body, as well as witness statements, led authorities to identify Hooper as the suspect.

Authorities said the killing was drug related.

The trial began Jan. 13. Prosecutors presented numerous witnesses and entered 160 exhibits.

Authorities said Hooper took the stand in his own defense.

The jury returned the guilty verdict on Thursday.

Circuit Judge Shaunathan Bell set sentencing for Feb. 7.

Hooper faces a punishment range of 10 years to life in prison. Prosecutors are seeking the maximum sentence.

Authorities said Hooper’s conviction is historic for Cherokee County because there are now no pending intentional murder cases in the jurisdiction.

“This achievement underscores the important of a committed justice system in fostering community safety and justice,’’ said Sheriff Jeff Shaver.

District Attorney Summer Summerford said she’s proud justice was served.

“The community can rest well with the knowledge that there are dedicated public servants who devote their time and interest to making sure our citizens are safe,’’ Summerford said.

“For the first time in many years, there are currently no pending intentional murder cases in Cherokee County. It is my hope that those who would commit such atrocities see the writing on the wall and stay out of our jurisdiction.”

The case was prosecuted by Summerford and Deputy District Attorney Brady Burns, with assistance from numerous other staff members including Assistant District Attorney Matt Green and Assistant District Attorney Dennis Thompson.

Williams had been a self employed painter for many years.

“He never held anything back but would give you the shirt off of his back,’' according to his obituary. “He was an avid fan of Alabama football and enjoyed fishing.”

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Read Entire Article