Monday, slain Moody police officer Lt. Stephen Williams was buried less than a week after he was killed in the line of duty.
Williams was responding to a report of a disturbance at the Super 8 Motel on Highway 411 in Moody when he and a police trainee were fired upon.
“Fallen Moody PD Lt. Stephen Williams was laid to rest today,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Town. “Law enforcement from around Alabama and the entire country gathered to pay tribute to a brother whose end of watch came much too soon. I was honored to be among them. We must forever remember his sacrifice in the protection and service to his community. My thoughts and prayers are with the Williams family, Moody PD, and all who knew him.”
Also on Monday, the St. Clair County District Attorney’s office announced that a judge has denied bail for the Birmingham couple that have been charged with killing Lt. Williams. Tapero Johnson, age 27, and Marquisha Tyson, age 28 were both charged with capital murder for the shooting death of Lt. Williams. The two could potentially receive the death penalty.
Birmingham couple charged in the slaying of Moody police officer
Tyson and Johnson were arrested at the scene after a long standoff with authorities. A number of weapons were found at the scene as well as illegal drugs. Many details of the crime have not yet been released.
“This is a very ongoing, complex, and intense investigation. We are by no means complete,” said St. Clair County Sheriff Billy Murray.
Williams’ funeral was held at Moody First Baptist Church. Hundreds of law enforcement officers representing agencies from across the state attended the services and then joined Lt. Williams’s body on its final journey. Hundreds of Moody residents lined the roadway to pay their last respects to Williams. Williams was laid to rest in Montevallo.
Officer Williams patrol cruiser has been on display in front of the Moody Police station. People have left flowers, notes, wreaths, bows, and other items in tribute to Williams.
Williams worked for three years with the Moody Police Department, but he worked in law enforcement for 23 years. Williams served for several years with the Alabaster Police Department and also worked at Calera and Bessemer.
On Friday, Moody Police Chief Thomas Hunt announced that Sergeant Williams had been promoted to Lieutenant, a position that Williams had been in discussion with the department about.
“He was awesome. He was awesome – just a good man, good person, funny to be around, won officer of the year award a couple years ago,” Hunt said. “He made the rank of sergeant last year, worked night shift for us. Very thorough in his paperwork, very thorough as a sergeant, a good teacher and a good mentor. Lot of guys looked up to Stephen. He was a very good close friend.”
