The second suspect charged with the murder of Anthony Tyler professed his innocence during his initial appearance Monday.
“I didn’t make no wrong choice because I haven’t done anything,” Rodrick Darnell “Duke” Williams told Justice Court Judge Pam May during his initial appearance Monday.
“That remains to be seen, but being defiant in court will not get you anywhere,” May responded.
Williams, 26, of 1402 Barnwell, was arrested Friday at his home by officers with the Yazoo City Police Department and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
Williams is the second suspect to be charged with the May 3 murder of Anthony Tyler. Tyler was killed at his home on West Eleventh Street.
Kordarius Antwon Williams, 17, of Jackson has also been charged with first degree murder.
During his initial appearance Monday, Williams said that he is not currently employed.
“Have you ever worked,” May asked.
“Just under the table jobs,” Williams responded.
Williams said that he meant jobs where he was paid cash when May asked him to define “under the table.”
“When’s the last time you had an under the table job,” May asked.
“Last year,” Williams responded.
Williams insisted that he was not involved with the murder.
“I want to know what evidence they had to arrest me,” he said.
May explained that evidence isn’t presented during an initial appearance. During an initial appearance a suspect is informed of the charges, the judge determines if there will be a bond set and how much, and arrangements are made to provide an attorney for the defendant if the defendant is unable to afford an attorney.
“But I can assure you that if they arrested you, they had enough evidence for probable cause,” May said.
“We’ll see,” Williams responded.
Williams initially refused to sign the papers to provide him with a court-appointed attorney.
“I’ve been honest so far, and it ain’t got me nowhere,” he said. “Signing papers has only got me deeper in this.”
Williams later changed his mind after May explained the documents.
Williams is being held at the Yazoo County Correctional Facility.
Police Chief Jeff Curtis said the investigation into this case continues and more arrests are possible.
