The Virginian-Pilot
©
PORTSMOUTH
Citing witness problems, prosecutors dropped charges Thursday against a woman scheduled to stand trial in the 2009 shooting death of a 16-year-old Churchland boy.
Tony M. Woolbright was killed and two friends were wounded in an Aug. 2, 2009, drive-by shooting in Peachtree.
Willita Demby, 27, was arrested three days later.
She had been scheduled Thursday to begin a five-day trial on charges of first-degree murder and malicious wounding, as well as related firearms charges.
Demby broke down in sobs as she left the courtroom with deputies after charges were withdrawn.
She was released from custody Thursday, but the charges were nol-prossed, which means prosecutors could bring them back later.
Sterling Weaver, Demby's lawyer, declined to comment and said he would advise his client to do the same.
Anthony Woolbright, the victim's father, said he knew there was a witness problem but did not know that the trial would not go forward.
He said he had a feeling something was wrong when he walked into the courtroom Thursday and saw no jury.
Bill Prince, a spokesman for the commonwealth's attorney's office, said a key witness decided not to cooperate.
"We suspect that there is some intimidation going on," he said.
Commonwealth's Attorney Earle Mobley later said "the case will be reinstated at the appropriate time," but he did not go into details.
Woolbright said he had hoped the trial would bring closure. His son would have been a senior at Churchland High School the year he was killed.
Woolbright said he got custody when Tony was 5 and that he brought youth to the home, bounding up and down the stairs with his friends, drinking sodas and eating all day.
"Every day, I'm still expecting to see him again," he said.
Janie Bryant, (757) 446-2453, janie.bryant@pilotonline.com
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hmmm
Witness intimidation will continue if people are not guarenteed protection. Why would anyone come forward if the prosecution and the police are not willing to provide any type of security? Other area cities do better. Portsmouth does not care.
Listen to Elijah Cummings
US Rep. Cummings of Baltimore, the man whose nephew was recently murdered at ODU has tried to get legislation passed that would give the local law enforcement Witness Protection powers similar to the FBI. If we want to get serious about alleviating crime in the inner city, this will be necessary. It is tragic enough that this young man was shot down during his prime. Now his family and friends are uncertain that they will see justice. This is not a political issue, it is a common sense issue. Why can't issues like this get the same attention as Culture Wars type stuff? Hopefully a bill like this can be passed. Local witness protection would save countless lives.
No Justice For The Victims Or Their Families!
One of the boys who was shot was one of my students for two years at the school where I taught. The student who died, Tony, was also a student at the school where I taught. How can a lady shoot three innocent boys who were walking in their own neighborhood and minding their own business? She is literally getting away with murder!
it is disgusting
it is disgusting
Comment deleted
Comment removed for rules violation. Reason: Post continued, repeated
witness intimidation
Is rampant in P-Town. It's so bad it's the norm. If you don't have a strong stomach & nerves of steel then keep quiet, out of sight & out of mind. Cause they'll be coming for ya. I've even had a physical confrontation right outside the courtroom to the point of having to have deputy protection while waiting to testify. & don't think it's ends there, they keep coming even after you've done your civic duty & testified. It's real mean & nasty & if you don't have the will, again, stay quiet & out of sight. & why aren't they providing witness protection? Come on Earl Mobley, time to step up for the rights of the victim(s). Come on Earl, step up.
wittness intimidation
The thugs in our city find that there is not any repercussions for their actions. The blatent disrespect for the law is evident in our court house hallways, courts and on our streets. It's apparent that Mr. Mobley is not a true representive of the law abiding citizen. I found that if you feel threaten in the courthouse halls the sheriff department and deputies on duty will put a halt to any intimidation taking place. Unfortunately this does not protect you beyond those walls. So many take shots at our elected sheriff (Bill Watson) but he will take action an he will protect our rights as citizens. Mr. Mobley needs to stop making deals and start prosecuting to the fullest extent of the law. Its time to protect the witnesses and victims.
Honestly I doubt Earl is
Honestly I doubt Earl is dropping the ball...I've ALSO had my disagreements with Earl and his offices handling of certain issues I felt warranted him calling in state police. That's neither here nor there.....
Earl is probably the #1 prosecutor behind Harvey Bryant...
His office successfully prosecuted the two scum who robbed me and my wife at gunpoint...after having shoved the gun in my wife's lips/mouth and the other scum had his pistol to my ear/head.
After the arrest our house was shot up...pigs blood thrown on the door...2 cars would park across the street every night and honk...till they could get me or my families attention only to start the car...pull up in the communal parking space marked for our unit.