After a gruesome string of murders that shook the Columbus community, an Ohio man was sentenced to multiple life sentences. Larry J. Williams, Jr., also known as “J Streets” and “J”, was sentenced to three consecutive life terms plus an additional five concurrent life sentences on July 1, according to a press release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In 2018, the 44-year-old led a narcotics conspiracy that turned violent, killing three people and dismembering and burying the bodies of two others.
The convictions stem from a fatal plan to rob a marijuana dealer in Columbus. During the robbery at 847 E.N. Broadway, Williams murdered Connor Reynolds, a 23-year-old Grove City resident. To prevent police from learning about the incident, he killed Henry Watson, 52, and Tera Pennington, 48, both of Columbus, in August 2018.
According to court documents obtained by ICE, Williams also directed others to clean up the crime scene and dispose of Watson’s and Pennington’s bodies to conceal their deaths.
Following a three-week trial in December 2024, Williams was found guilty on all 16 counts in a second superseding indictment, which included murder and obstruction of justice.
He was convicted of running a drug operation at 121 Stevens Ave., dealing in fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Addicts were reportedly allowed to use drugs on the premises, where overdoses occurred on multiple occasions and Narcan was administered to revive users.
The murders, while linked to a narcotics operation, demonstrate a chilling disregard for human life in an apparent attempt to maintain control and secrecy within Williams’ criminal enterprise.
The acts of dismemberment and burial carried out under his command highlight this narrative of power through terror. Victims Watson and Pennington were effectively erased, their remains hidden away as a brutal reminder of the consequences of defying Williams’ rule.
Williams’ sentencing ends a dark chapter for the community affected by these crimes. It’s the story of a drug conspiracy that escalates into cold-blooded murder — and the subsequent justice system’s determination to uphold the law and impose sentences that reflect the gravity of the crimes committed.
The ICE news release provides additional context and details on the sentencing in this disturbing case.
