Inmates Indicted in Brutal Beating of Prosecution Witness Willie Tiller

Atlanta---- A Fulton County Grand Jury today has returned indictments against five inmates in the jailhouse beating incident of Willie Tiller earlier this week. Alex Garcia Lopez, Calvin Ashley Louie, Johnny McClendon, Kenneth Reese and Michael Tyrone Spruill are each charged with seven felony counts including Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery and Terroristic Threats.

The inmates are accused of viciously beating Mr. Tiller following his testimony Tuesday for the prosecution in the murder case of State vs. Brian Nichols. According to the investigation, the men cornered Tiller in a cell beating him with weighted socks, wooden brushes as well as punching and kicking him. The motive for the beating was in apparent retaliation for Tiller "snitching" on the stand. Tiller subsequently underwent surgery at Grady Memorial Hospital for severe injuries to his face. He is recuperating at this time.

The District Attorney's office meantime will continue to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding this incident. Mr. Howard hopes the swift indictment sends a strong message, "We will aggressively pursue this case and push for the appropriate punishment against these attackers. Witnesses who have the courage to come forward and and testify should be protected."

All of the defendants in this case with the exception of Michael Tyrone Spruill are awaiting trial for murder.

Media Contact: Yvette Brown, 404-224-0560/404-392-8867, yvette.brown@fultoncountyga.gov