FORT WORTH, TX — A Tarrant County jury has sentenced 38-year-old Johnny Edwards IV to life in prison for the murder of 24-year-old Deshon Williams. Edwards, originally from Chicago, Illinois, has been in custody since his arrest on March 6, 2022, and was unable to post bail on a $750,000 bond.
The case stems from an early morning incident on Christmas Day 2021 at an apartment complex in west Fort Worth on the 2800 block of Westwind Circle. According to the Fort Worth Police Department, Edwards was visiting Williams. Once inside, Edwards shot Williams multiple times while he was seated on a couch, ultimately killing him.
After the shooting, Edwards reportedly left the apartment, changed clothes, and returned to the scene, where he stole marijuana and a PlayStation 5 gaming console belonging to the victim. Police officers arrived at the apartment later that morning around 10:00 a.m. in response to a shooting call. Upon arrival, officers spoke the victim’s girlfriend who had found Williams with gunshot wounds. They observed that Williams had been shot seven times. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Throughout the investigation, Fort Worth Police released surveillance photos to the public in an effort to identify and locate Edwards. Their efforts, combined with diligent work by detectives, ultimately led to his arrest a few months later.
During the trial, prosecutors presented compelling evidence of premeditation and theft following the murder. The prosecution team, led by Assistant District Attorneys Lisa Callaghan and Stephanie Simpson, worked closely with DA Investigator Darran Gabbert and Victim Coordinator Elizabeth Garcia to ensure that the victim’s family received support and justice.
