In Tupelo, Mississippi, Charles Allen “Charlie Boo” Williams, a 55-year-old White male, was found dead on the night of Friday, May 13, 2016. His death, caused by a gunshot wound to the head, was ruled a homicide. Williams, a well-known and well-liked figure in the community, was working as a cab driver for A-1 Cab Service at the time of his death. Two motorcyclists discovered his body on a road just south of the Tupelo city limits at approximately 10 p.m.
The investigation into the murder of Charles Williams quickly led law enforcement to a suspect. Investigators were able to identify the individual who had called for a cab ride around 9:30 p.m. that evening, and an interview with that person pointed them toward someone else. This trail of evidence ultimately led to 23-year-old Leontay Gates. It was determined that Williams had been killed during a robbery. According to the Lee County Sheriff, Gates had requested a ride to Graham Drive, where he then forced Williams out of the cab, robbed him, and shot him. The stolen cab was later found abandoned a few miles away.
Following the murder, Leontay Gates went on the run, during which time he was also accused of committing two armed robberies in Tupelo. He eventually surrendered to the police on May 16, 2016. Gates was subsequently charged with capital murder in connection with the death of Charles Williams. At his initial court appearance, he was denied bond. Prosecutors announced their intention to seek the death penalty in the case. In addition to the capital murder charge, Gates also faced three other felony counts, to which he pleaded not guilty.
