Prichard man charged with murder

PRICHARD, Ala. (WALA) - Prichard police say Robert Williams is accused of murdering James Wrightington at his home in January.

“From what we know, he went to his house to engage in a narcotic transaction. There were pills stolen from the house, and there was a man that had been shot; the victim was shot,” said Prichard Police Detective Matt Lunceford.

Police said they found Wrightington in his bedroom with prescription drugs.

“Some friends were trying to reach him by his phone, and some had even gone to his home. It was very unusual that they didn’t hear from him,” Lunceford said. “One of his friends, who he was with regularly, called police after he had gone into his house and discovered his body.”

Prichard police said they planned to arrest Williams on Tuesday, but he was already in jail.

Police discovered Williams was booked on January 23 and charged with robbing the RBC Bank on Highway 90 at Rangeline Road.

Investigators said he was captured after police in Saraland recognized Williams from surveillance video, and tracked him down in Chickasaw.

Police believe Williams robbed the bank two days after Wrightington was shot.

"We feel we have a strong case here and a conviction for murder," Lunceford said.

Williams has a lengthy rap sheet, including multiple arrests for theft.

He is being held in Mobile County Jail with no bond.

Relatives said Wrightington left behind 7 children and numerous grandchildren.