Jury returns split verdict in mobile double murder case involving dice shooting

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – A jury returned a split verdict Friday in a double murder case that centered on a gunfight that broke out during an illegal dice game 5.5 years ago.

After deliberating for about an hour Thursday afternoon and Friday, the jury found Jerome Marquis Williams, 39, of Mobile, guilty of the murder of Willie Moffett, but acquitted him of murder in connection with the death of Carlos Cunningham. The jury also convicted him of one of two counts of second-degree assault and shooting into an occupied vehicle and building.

The jury found his brother, Cedric Cortez Williams, 34, of Mobile, not guilty of Moffett’s murder but guilty of the lesser offense of manslaughter in Cunningham’s death. He was also convicted of one of two counts of second-degree assault.

Jerome Williams faces a prison sentence of 20 years to life on the murder charge, and his brother’s sentence for manslaughter is 10 to 20 years. Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood said his office plans to seek the maximum sentence for both suspects.

“Both brothers must be held accountable for their actions,” he said. “This was a volatile situation with a lot of shooting. As a result, many more people could have been injured. In addition to the two who died, a number of people were injured.”

This week’s trial came more than a year after Mobile County Circuit Judge Vicki Davis’ trial declared a mistrial just before closing arguments after learning that a DNA report from an expert witness for the prosecution had not been provided to the defense.

“Based on everything that has happened and our analysis of the case, we in this office decided it was important to retry this case and hold these offenders accountable,” Blackwood said.

James Byrd, Cedric Williams’ attorney, said his client will likely appeal.

“I respect the jury’s decision,” he said. “They’ve gone through an awful lot of evidence, evidence and testimony, but I respectfully say I don’t think he’s guilty.”

According to testimony this week in Mobile County Circuit Court, in March 2019, 15 to 20 people were gambling at a “skin house” in the 500 block of Dauphin Island Parkway with anywhere from 10 to 30 guns. Jerome Williams got into an argument with Moffett over a bet, and that’s when the bullets started flying.

Blackwood said investigators determined others who shot were acting in self-defense or defending others.

Byrd argued that it was others, not his client, who initiated the violence. During the day closing argumentshe attacked the credibility of witnesses who he said gave testimony inconsistent with their original statements to police.

“He got shot in the ass by Carlos Cunningham, shot back and killed Carlos Cunningham,” he said. “And instead of self-defense, the jury said it was manslaughter.”

One of the victims, Moffett, jumped into a red Ford Fusion as he tried to flee and died from a gunshot that went through the passenger door. Blackwood said the shooting happened outside the home in a residential area.

“And certainly a dangerous situation,” he said. “You know, the bullets don’t stop in the yard where the fight takes place. So innocent people could have been killed. We are grateful that this did not happen in this case.”