On Monday, Governor Kay Ivey ordered all state agencies to fly their flags at half staff out of respect for Lowndes County Sheriff “Big John” Williams, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on Saturday, November 23.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department and the people of Lowndes County,” said Ivey in her directive.

Ivey said the flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset on Monday, December 2, 2019, the day of Sheriff Williams’ funeral.

Williams was shot and killed in the line of duty at a convenience store in Hayneville, AL. Police arrested 18-year-old William Chase Johnson in connection with the murder. According to the Associated Press, Judge Tom Sport ordered the suspect to be held without bond awaiting a trial.

According to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, Williams is the fifth law enforcement officer in Alabama to die by gunfire in the line of duty this year.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.