The man accused of shooting and killing Moody police Lt. Stephen Williams three years ago has been found guilty of capital murder. The jury recommended the death penalty for Tapero Carleone Johnson, 31, of Birmingham.

During the two-week trial, the St. Clair County District Attorney’s office presented witness testimony and evidence — including video of the shooting — that, on June 2, 2020, Johnson shot Williams multiple times while the officer was responding to a call at a Super 8 on Moody Parkway.

Williams was posthumously awarded the rank of Lieutenant.

Williams — a husband, father and a veteran of the US Air Force — was a law enforcement officer for more than 23 years.

“We are pleased to have been able to find justice for the Williams’ family,” said District Attorney Lyle Harmon in a press release.

“The State was able to present evidence during the trial that the defendant Tapero Johnson intentionally and brutally murdered Lt. Williams as the sergeant acted in the line of duty. Lt. Williams was a protector and hero to our community. He served a distinguished career, often in harm’s way, and sadly lost his life at the hands of a cold-blooded murderer. This jury and our community, through viewing hotel and body cam footage, received a first hand account of the heroism that was displayed by our law enforcement officers that arrived on the scene that evening.

“I must thank the family and community for their patience and support during the investigation and my office staff for their commitment to doing justice for St. Clair County. I want to thank lead investigator St. Clair County Deputy Randy Hurst and Deputy Tommy Dixon for their hard work and persistence to leave no stone unturned. My co-counsel, ADA Carol Boone, and the entire District Attorney’s office spent an incredible amount of time and effort in this prosecution to serve this community and William’s family. I would also like to thank the Alabama Department of Forensic Science, ALEA, the Jacksonville State Center for Applied Forensics, the US Marshalls, the ATF, and the other local and federal agencies that assisted us with this case.

“Our office is hopeful that this verdict will bring some degree peace to the family and community. We ask the public to remember the Moody Police Department, the William’s family and all law enforcement in your prayers tonight.”

The trial began in St. Clair County on Oct. 16 before Circuit Judge Phil Seay. Johnson’s formal sentencing will be held Nov. 15.

The trial of second suspect, 31-year-old Marquisha Tyson, also of Birmingham, is set for March.