Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect new information.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A man on death row seeking a new trial will appear in a Tri-Cities court again on Tuesday.
Howard Hawk Willis was sentenced to death in 2010 for the murders of 17-year-old Adam Chrismer and 16-year-old Samantha Chrismer from Georgia. The bodies of both teens were found days later in a storage unit rented by Willis’ mother in Johnson City.
Willis had nine lawyers before the judge ruled that he would have to represent himself.
If the judge finds constitutional problems with the conviction process, Willis could file for a re-trial. Willis’s defense team said they want to prove what they believe were constitutional problems in the death penalty conviction.
His defense team calls many witnesses to testify including attorneys and investigators who have worked with Willis. Often times asking witnesses to remember moments from around 20 years ago.
A former legal representative of Willis, Jim Bowman, testified Monday. Bowman says he remembers this case better than most but remembering details can still be difficult.
“You ask anybody something specific about what happened 20 years ago, it’s not likely you’re going to have a clear recollection of it,” said Bowman.
Willis will appear in Washington County, Tennessee court again on Tuesday and his defense team expects the hearings to end Thursday.
