No arrests expected in 2 fatal December shootings

An investigation into two deadly shootings in Opelika, Ala., on Dec. 23 doesn't warrant arrests, police said Tuesday.

Facts in the separate shootings on Chester Avenue and Westwood Street will be presented to a Lee County grand jury, police Capt. Shane Healey said in a release.

In the first shooting, two men acquainted with each other argued over drugs before Laricko Johnson threatened the other man in his own home.

The man shot Johnson after the dispute escalated. Johnson, 38, was taken to East Alabama Medical Center where he died.

Almost four hours later, 43-year-old Leearess Williams was intoxicated when he engaged in a dispute with another man at 10:45 p.m. in the 500 block of Westwood Street.

An unarmed Williams was shot after he attempted to charge into the home of the disabled man.

Police said the man feared for his life at the time of the shooting.

Williams was transported to East Alabama Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 11:29 p.m.

Witnesses were also at the scene of this shooting and the facts don't support an arrest, police said.

Both cases will remain under investigation until they are presented to a grand jury.

Anyone with information should call the Opelika Police Department Investigative Services Division at 334-705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at 334-745-8665.

This story was originally published January 5, 2016 at 10:54 PM with the headline "No arrests expected in 2 fatal December shootings ."