Transfer hearing set for juveniles accused in Autura Eason-Williams slaying
A Jan. 20 transfer hearing has been set for the juveniles accused in the carjacking and slaying of Rev. Autura Eason-Williams.
During the hearing, the court will determine if there is probable cause to transfer the juveniles, aged 15 and 16, to adult court.
By law, juveniles ages 14 to 17 charged with serious crimes are eligible to be tried as adults.
The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, at the time led by former DA Amy Weirich, filed motions in July to transfer the two juveniles. But leadership changes in top positions have raised questions as to whether those motions would still be on the table.
Current DA Steve Mulroy defeated Weirich in the Aug. 4 general election. The Shelby County Juvenile Court also has changed leadership after current Judge Tarik Sugarmon defeated former Judge Dan Michael during the general election.
Asked whether the new leaders intend on trying the juveniles as adults, the DA’s office said, “We have filed a Notice of Intent to seek transfer and intend to move forward with the hearing in Juvenile Court on 1/20/23.”
A spokesperson with the juvenile court system said the purpose of the hearing is to determine the best course of action.
“Pursuant to statute 37-1-134, the purpose of the hearing is to determine if the young people will be tried as adults,” the spokesperson said. “The result will be determined at the end of that hearing. ... No determination can be made until both sides present their cases.”
The older suspect, who was arrested July 19, is charged with first-degree murder, murder in the perpetration of a robbery, especially aggravated robbery, carjacking and employment of a firearm during a dangerous felony.
The younger suspect, who was arrested and charged July 22 after he turned himself into authorities, was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree murder in perpetration of robbery, especially aggravated robbery, possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony and carjacking.
Darrell Eason-Williams, husband of the slain reverend, has expressed support for trying the juveniles as adults. But her children have expressed opposite sentiments.
Eason-Williams, 52, was a district superintendent in the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of The United Methodist Church.
The carjacking occurred July 18 in the driveway of her home in the 1000 block of Whitehaven Lane. Eason-Williams was transported to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Topics
Rev. Autura Eason-Williams Shelby County Juvenile CourtJulia Baker
A lifelong Memphian, Julia Baker graduated from the University of Memphis in 2021. Other publications and organizations she has written for include Chalkbeat, Memphis Flyer, Memphis Parent magazine and Memphis magazine.
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