DA Seeks to Have Teen Suspect Tried As Adult in Carjacking-Murder of Pastor

July 21, 2022 – The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office will seek to have a 15-year-old suspect tried as an adult in Monday’s carjacking and murder of Rev. Autura Eason-Williams, DA Amy Weirich said Thursday.

A notice of intent to seek transfer is being submitted to have the case set on the Juvenile Court docket for a hearing. By law, juveniles between ages 14 and 17 who are charged with serious crimes are eligible for transfer to adult court.

“Due to the facts of this case and this offender’s criminal history, I am seeking transfer of this case to adult court,” said DA Weirich.

The teen suspect is charged with first-degree murder, murder in the perpetration of a robbery, carjacking, especially aggravated robbery, and employment of a firearm in the commission of a dangerous felony.

A report date is set for Aug. 1 in Juvenile Court. A transfer hearing is not expected until late August or September.