Man Accused In Detroit Police Officer's Murder Released From Jail

DETROIT — A Garden City man accused of killing an off-duty Detroit police officer had his bond reduced, a move Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy criticized Monday, calling it "inappropriate."

Eddie Ray Johnson, 37, was charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm in the deadly shooting of his domestic partner, Detroit police officer Elaine Williams in their Garden City home in June 2019.

On Thursday, Wayne County Judge Lawrence Talon allowed Johnson to be released from jail ahead of his trial, opting to give him a $100,000 bond. Johnson will be required to wear a GPS tether and will be on house arrest, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

“This is a ridiculously low bond for a first-degree murder case," Worthy said. "It was inappropriate, and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office will be appealing the court’s bond decision.”

Johnson was arrested June 2, 2019, after Garden City police were called to the home he shared with Williams in the 200 block of Belton. When officers arrived, they found Williams dead with multiple gunshots. Johnson was found a short time later.

"By all accounts, Elaine Williams was a beloved member of the Detroit Police Department," Worthy said at the time. "We mourn her passing. This case is a stark example of what can potentially happen in every domestic violence case. The alleged actions of this defendant will be addressed fairly and justly."

Johnson's release from jail is in part due to his need for a medical procedure, according to a report from FOX 2. Williams' mother told the TV station that she feels the system "let us down" by allowing Johnson to be released.

"He doesn't need to be out that long," she told FOX 2. "Let him get his little procedure done and go back to jail. He doesn't need to be out until January, that is a long time. My daughter doesn't get to see any sunshine, I don't get to see her at all."