Man charged for refusing to testify in homicide case

SALT LAKE CITY — A 29-year-old man who is serving a 15 years-to-life prison sentence for his role in a 2009 shooting death has now been charged with obstructing justice for refusing to testify at a homicide trial for another man charged with the killing.

According to charges filed Monday in the 3rd District Court, Jeremiah Williamson took the stand under oath on Dec. 7, 2011, but "persistently refused to testify" against Spencer Isaiah Cater, 21, for his role in the gang-related shooting.

Williamson and Cater, along with Antonie Hunter Farani, 14, and Shardise Malaga, 21, were all charged in the death of JoJo Brandstatt in 2009. Brandstatt was allegedly shot three times and his body left on a West Valley City golf course on Feb. 6, 2009, for being a member of a rival gang.

Williamson pleaded guilty to murder, a first-degree felony, and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison last year. Cater was found innocent of murder in his December trial, but guilty of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery, both first-degree felonies.

For refusing to testify, Williamson was charged with obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony, the charges state.

— Hunter Schwarz