Moms didn’t know their sons’ killer was behind bars. They’re suing Miami police
Lasonja “Sonja” Mills and Tangela Johnson’s teenage sons were shot and killed in 2009. It wasn’t until 2024 when the Liberty City mothers learned from a Miami Herald report that the alleged killer, William “Little Bill” Brown, was given a free pass for multiple shootings, including the one that claimed the lives of their sons.
Brown received a 25-year sentence for two different murders and no time at all for the other killings to which he confessed, the Herald reported. The women have remained without answers, including why the Miami police did not tell them Brown had secretly confessed and been granted immunity from prosecution.
The mothers have filed a lawsuit against the police department for unlawful withholding of public records, withholding in bad faith, unreasonable fees, and violating their rights as crime victims under Marsy’s Law. My colleague, investigative reporter Brittany Wallman, delves into the windy tale of their story and what’s at stake for them.
Need to know:
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office removes three top commanders in staff shakeup
Ex-girlfriend of Northwestern football player stabbed to death says she did it
Enjoying this newsletter? Share it with a friend. If it was forwarded to you, sign up here.
INSIDE THE 305:
This free program in Miami Gardens can help you land an IT job
TechHub Pathway, a new training program for South Florida residents, will provide participants skills needed to compete for IT jobs. The first cohort will launch at Miami Gardens’ Florida Memorial University.
Ex-girlfriend of Northwestern football player stabbed to death says she did it
Jahara Malik, 18, pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge stemming from the fatal stabbing of Yahkeim Lollar, a beloved football player at Miami Northwestern Senior High. He was 17 and a junior in high school.
OUTSIDE THE 305:
Prairie View A&M gets first NCAA Tournament win in history
For the first time in school history, Prairie View A&M made it to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, joining Howard as the only two HBCUs to make it in. The tourney begins today, with Howard set to play Michigan at 7:10 p.m. Prairie View plays Florida at 9:25 p.m. Friday.
Afroman wins verdict rejecting lawsuit filed by Ohio cops over mocking music videos
Grammy-nominated rapper Afroman won a verdict clearing him of wrongdoing in a lawsuit filed by seven Ohio police officers, who claimed the rapper defamed them by releasing music videos that mocked them after a failed raid on his home, Billboard reported.
HIGH CULTURE:
Telling Overtown stories, saying their name
A mobile exhibition telling the stories of Overtown residents can be seen at North Dade Regional Library in Miami Gardens through the end of the month. The exhibit features replicas of permanent Overtown murals, including one by Anthony “Mojo” Reed II titled “Overtown: Our Family Tree,” which honors late Miami Judge Lawson E. Thomas and his civil rights leadership. On Saturday, Reed will hold a talk about his mural and Miami MoCAAD, which sponsors the exhibition, is featuring a youth-centered activation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This story was originally published March 19, 2026 at 4:32 PM.
