Man Found Beaten to Death In Abandoned East Jackson Home
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JACKSON, Tenn.- Jackson Police said they are investigating the murder of John Wesley Williams, 53, who was found beaten to death in an abandoned home on Second Street in East Jackson, Friday. Investigators say Williams was found beaten to death inside of the house just after 7 p.m. Friday night. Medical Examiners on the scene determined he died from blunt force injuries. Williams is the the city’s 11th homicide victim this year. “John Wesley was one of the most easy going spirits that you’d ever want to meet. What could be in John Wesley that could make anybody want to hurt him? That’s all I can think about… who would want to hurt John, it just doesn’t add up,” said friend Larry Harris. Close friends told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News that the victim struggled with homelessness for several years. Neighbors said the house on Second Street was a safe haven for Williams, where he often took shelter from the streets. “He did, he looked at the brighter side of darkness all the time,” said friend Larry Harris. “That’s why I hate this. It’s so sad, his demise because he always was a ‘brighter side of darkness’ individual.” Residents said Williams was a peaceful, caring man who spent most of his time helping neighbors. While struggling with homelessness, he was known for having a giving heart. “John Wesley didn’t have much but what he had was more than enough to share with somebody else,” said Harris. “If he had a glass of water and you needed half, John Wesley was your man. The only thing John Wesley was concerned about was his bicycle that he called his car.” Police said they have questioned a person of interest but so far no charges have been filed. Williams’ body has been taken to the state Medical Examiner’s office in Nashville. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jackson Police Department’s Major Crimes Bureau at (731) 425-8400 or Crime Stoppers at (731) 424 -8477 (TIPS). Submit a cyber tip at jmcrimestoppers.org and click on “Web Tips”.
