Time is ticking towards the release date of James Williams III, and one of the prosecutors on the case has come out publicly questioning the Mississippi Parole Board’s decision to allow the double murderer to walk free.
Flip Weinberg, a former assistant district attorney who served on Williams’ case, explained on Tuesday’s episode of The Gallo Show that as someone who witnessed the court proceedings firsthand, he cannot wrap his head around the parole board’s rationale.
“I can’t get my mind wrapped around it. It makes no sense at all to me,” Weinberg said. “I mean, obviously, he would try anything he could try to get out at some point. It makes sense what he’s doing but it doesn’t make sense what the parole board is doing.”
Williams, who has been incarcerated since 2002, was found guilty of killing both his father and stepmother before cutting up their bodies and dumping them near Shiloh Park in Brandon. He was 17 at the time of the crime.
After undergoing a “moral rehabilitation” that included attaining a GED and work as a Christian minister, members of the parole board informed the victims’ family – all of which are against his release – earlier this month that they had decided to grant Williams parole.
“James Williams III is a cold-blooded killer that has never shown any ounce of remorse for the murders and subsequent devastation that he created for my family,” said Zeno Mangum, the stepbrother of Williams. “We are concerned not only for our personal safety but also for the safety of anyone who may come in contact with this psychopath.”
The now-retired attorney, Weinberg, also recounted the look on Williams’ face throughout the court hearings.
“I remember his eyes more than anything else. He had the look. Just this hollow, cold look as if there was nothing behind those eyes. It was almost frightening,” Weinberg said. “Having seen his eyes at the trial, it plays into it for me. I don’t think any community is safe.”
Neither parole board chair Jeffrey Belk nor Governor Tate Reeves have responded to a request for comment.
