LAUDERDALE CO., Tenn. (localmemphis.com) Wednesday afternoon, a Lauderdale county judge move the case of captured west Tennessee inmate Curtis Watson to a grand jury.
Investigators said the 44-year-old Watson strangled West Tennessee State Penitentiary administrator Debra Johnson in August, took off and led authorities on a five day manhunt.
After neighbors in Henning, Tennessee, – 10 miles or so from the prison – authorities zeroed in and captured Watson in a soybean field.
Wednesday’s preliminary hearing included at times emotional testimony and never heard before details, with Johnson’s family sitting just feet away.If a grand jury indicts Watson when it meets in February, prosecutors said the death penalty remains on the table.
Watson appeared in person for the first time a Lauderdale County courtroom, in a white maximum security jumpsuit.
Nine witnesses testified about the events of August 7th, the day investigators said Watson sexually assaulted and strangled Debra Johnson inside her home on West Tennessee State Penitentiary grounds.
Prison workers said Watson was helpful and never written up, while inmates painted a different picture. One testified Watson bragged Johnson wanted the 44-year-old sexually and another said he borrowed a tractor the morning of Johnson’s death.
Johnson’s coworkers and a prison nurse broke down in tears, describing the crime scene, Johnson’s lifeless body and a phone cord twisted around her neck. On the stand, a TBI investigator said a swab of Johnson’s body matched Watson’s DNA.
Johnson’s family didn’t comment afterwards, but Lauderdale County prosecutors did on her behalf.
“They are pleased with the outcome of today’s hearing, they are ready to move forward, to the next step in these proceedings, they are very tight knit family, very supportive of each other,” Lauderdale County District Attorney Mark Davidson said.
If a grand jury indicts Watson in February, Lauderdale County prosecutors believe a trial could begin as early as next summer. Watson is not eligible since he was already serving a prison sentence when he escaped.