Despite the absence of a body or weapon, the jury determined there was enough to establish guilt
A Michigan jury has found Willie James Jr., 57, guilty of second-degree murder in the 2021 killing of poker player Andrew Watson II. The verdict was delivered in Ingham County Circuit Court after a case built largely on forensic evidence rather than a recovered body or weapon.
Watson disappeared in January 2021 after reportedly going to play poker at James’ home in Lansing. Authorities said he was carrying between $10,000 and $15,000 at the time. He was never seen again, and investigators were unable to locate his remains.
Prosecutors relied heavily on forensic findings presented during trial. Evidence showed Watson’s blood inside James’ vehicle, which investigators argued played a key role in the crime. Jurors concluded the vehicle was either the scene of the killing or used to transport the body.
James denied responsibility and suggested that his son was involved. His son is currently incarcerated for an unrelated homicide. The defense maintained that there was no direct proof tying James to the killing beyond circumstantial evidence.
At the time of the murder, James was on parole for a prior 2014 conviction. He is already serving time in a Michigan correctional facility related to that earlier case. The new conviction means he will remain in custody pending sentencing.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 15.
