“You had a whole world in front of you, and what have you done.”
Those were the words of Justice Court Judge Pam May as she denied bond for the 17-year-old charged with the May 5 murder of Anthony “Big Ant” Tyler in Yazoo City.
Kordarius Antwon Williams of Jackson made his initial appearance before Judge May Thursday morning.
“Yes ma’am I am aware,” Williams responded when May asked him if he realized he was charged with first degree murder.
“Due to the nature of the charges against you, I will not be setting bond,” May said.
Williams revealed in court that he is a father of three, including a three-week-old daughter. He said that he is not in school and hasn’t been employed since January.
Williams was arrested in Jackson shortly before midnight Tuesday by Yazoo City police officers, U.S. Marshals and officers with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
Tyler was murdered on May 3 at his home on West Eleventh Street in Yazoo City.
Police Chief Jeff Curtis said the arrest was due to law enforcement agencies working together throughout the investigation. Curtis said he continues to pray for the victim’s family and said his department will move the case forward in a thoughtful manner to ensure that all of the evidence is properly presented.
“We will not move hastily during an investigation of such stature as this, or any case for that matter,” Curtis said. “We want to ensure a quality investigation is done so that we may help bring closure for the family and bring those responsible for such a heinous act to justice.”
A glimpse into the
suspect’s life
Williams was quiet and polite during his courtroom appearance Thursday.
The way that he presents himself on social media displays another side of his personality, however.
Williams’ Facebook profile has numerous photos of him with drugs and guns.
Three days after Tyler was murdered in Yazoo City Williams posted a video of himself pointing a gun at the camera and pretending to pull the trigger several times. On May 9 Williams posted a video under the heading “Getting to the money” that shows him in a vehicle with a bag of marijuana and a handful of cash.
On June 7 he posted a photo of himself wearing a bullet proof vest and holding what appears to be a bag of marijuana. A Yazoo City resident commented that Williams would need that vest, and later that he hoped Williams’ insurance was paid up.
“I receive so many death threats that it’s getting normal to me,” Williams responded to those comments.
Because Williams is still considered a juvenile, there is no public information available about whether or not he had a prior criminal record. He is being charged as an adult in the Anthony Tyler murder case.
What is
next?
Williams’ case will eventually go to trial in Yazoo County unless his defense requests and is granted a change of venue.
During his court appearance Monday, Williams estimated that he had about $15 in his bank account and stated that he has no significant assets. He may require a court appointed attorney to defend his case.
Curtis said the investigation remains active, and it’s possible that there may be additional arrests.
“We’re still investigating and conducting interviews, Curtis said. “There is still plenty of work to be done.”
Williams is being held at the Yazoo County Regional Correctional Facility.
