FLORENCE – Just under 17 months ago a Florence man, Eric Watkins was found dead in his car near Chisholm Road. He was shot multiple times as he was sitting in his car. Police speculate that the man, a known drug dealer, was killed by somebody that knew him.
Today, at a media conference at Florence PD, the alleged killer was identified to the public. His name is Justin, “Poppa Molly”, Watkins, presently residing in a South Carolina jail for a murder he also allegedly committed a few months after Watkins was shot.
Justin Antonio Butler – Indicted on murder charge.
Lauderdale County Assistant D.A. Kyle Weir made the announcement and District Attorney Chris Connolly, Chief Ron Tyler and lead detective, Drew Harless were in attendance with members of Watkins’ family.
Here are the high-points of the announcement, as issued by Florence PD:
“First of all, I want to recognize and thank the family of Eric Watkins. The family members
of homicide victims do not cease to feel the pain of losing a beloved family member. The circumstances of losing a loved one to homicide are unique and particularly troublesome. We would like to express our thanks to the Watkins family for being patient with the police department and our investigators during this lengthy investigation.This investigation never went cold.Justin Butler was identified as the prime suspect early on in this investigation.
However, it was important for our investigators to dig through all of the evidence and gather sufficient evidence to present to a grand jury. These types of investigations cannot be rushed or hurried. It is extremely important to exercise care and diligence when preparing this kind of case.
- I would like to personally recognize Investigator Drew Harless in particular,
among others, who put in hundreds of hours on this case. - Today, I am very proud to tell the Watkins family and the citizens of the City of
Florence, that Justin Antonio Butler, aka “Pop A Molly”, has been indicted for the
murder of Eric Watkins, and will be held accountable for his actions. - Currently, Butler is being detained in Lexington County, South Carolina on the
charges of Murder, Attempted Murder, Burglary 1 st degree, and illegal
possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. - Butler will first have to answer these murder charges in South Carolina before
returning to Alabama to face prosecution in the Eric Watkins case. - The homicide in South Carolina is believed to have occurred approximately 6
months after the incident here in Florence. - Whether he faces the death penalty or life in prison in South Carolina has yet to
be determined. Whether or not he will be found guilty of his crimes in South
Carolina has yet to be determined. However, I am confident when I say that
Justin Antonio Butler will never see freedom outside the walls of a prison ever
again in his lifetime. - His remaining days are the inevitable end for all people who choose a lifestyle of
violence. The Florence Police Department is committed to holding violent
criminals accountable for their actions and we will exhaust all leads, and uncover
every stone in our efforts to do so.”
