Johnathan Williams, 25, was shot on January 4, 2019, in the 600 block of West Liberty Street in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was found critically wounded on a sidewalk, taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, and died hours later; the Lehigh County coroner ruled his death a homicide from a gunshot wound to the body.

Williams was known locally as a professional boxer who worked as a trainer, mentor, and coach. Friends and community members remembered him for working with young people and pushing others toward discipline and self-improvement; he was also a father. His killing came as his community was trying to confront gun violence, and a gathering of friends, relatives, and neighbors was held after his burial to continue that conversation.

The investigation produced no immediate public arrest and remained open for more than a year while police sought help from the public. In August 2020 authorities charged Michael Murdaugh, 22 at the time, with criminal homicide in connection with Williams’ death; reporting said the grand jury presentment limited publicly disclosed details about the shooting and motive. Murdaugh later pleaded guilty and in 2023 was sentenced to 12 to 24 years in state prison for killing Williams. Some questions remain about what led to the shooting and why Williams was targeted.

Did anyone who knew Johnathan, his work as a trainer, or his movements in early January 2019 see or hear anything that could help clarify what happened?