Willis Man Arrested in Deason Murder

**Willis Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Deason Slaying, Body Found in Liberty County**

**CONROE, TX – April 28, 2024** – A Willis man has been arrested and charged with first-degree felony murder in connection with the death of Zachery Glenn Deason, whose body was discovered in a remote area of Liberty County last week.

William Jeffrey Johnson, 39, of Willis, was taken into custody on Saturday, April 27, by detectives with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Homicide/Violent Crimes Unit. He is accused of shooting and killing 36-year-old Zachery Deason following an argument at Johnson’s home.

According to MCSO investigators, the alleged murder occurred around Thursday, April 18, or Friday, April 19, 2024, at Johnson’s residence located in the 14000 block of Calvary Road in Willis, within Montgomery County. Authorities believe an altercation between Johnson and Deason, reportedly over drugs or money, escalated, leading Johnson to shoot Deason multiple times.

Following the shooting, Johnson allegedly wrapped Deason’s body, loaded it into his Dodge Ram pickup truck, and then drove a significant distance to dispose of it. Deason’s body was discovered on Thursday, April 25, in a remote section of National Forest land off Fostoria Road, near County Road 342, close to Cleveland in neighboring Liberty County.

Law enforcement agencies quickly launched a collaborative investigation. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, the Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office, and the FBI Houston office, pieced together critical information. This included reviewing surveillance video from a business on FM 1488, which reportedly showed Johnson’s truck, and gathering statements from witnesses.

According to official reports, Johnson later confessed to the shooting and provided detailed information regarding how he moved and buried Deason’s body. The cause of Deason’s death was confirmed by medical examiners as multiple gunshot wounds.

Johnson is currently being held at the Montgomery County Jail on a $500,000 bond. He awaits judicial proceedings in the 221st District Court in Montgomery County. The investigation remains ongoing.