The trial of the man accused of killing a woman in Tyler continues

TYLER, Texas – The trial of a Tatum man accused of killing a missing Tyler woman continued Wednesday morning.

The trial of Jesse Lee Williams, who is accused of murdering 51-year-old Paula Belonga, began on Tuesday. He pleaded not guilty.

Williams was arrested after officers obtained evidence that allegedly pointed to his involvement in Belonga's disappearance last year. Belonga was last seen on April 7, 2023, leaving her apartment complex on Paluxy Drive in her Chevrolet Impala. According to an affidavit, Belonga's brother told police on April 9, 2023, to pick up their son in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

A sergeant with the Rusk County Sheriff's Office testified he responded to a report that a missing person's phone was beeping at a trailer park on FM 1797 in the Tatum area. The sergeant said he saw Belonga's vehicle, which police were looking for, at that residence.

The sergeant contacted Debby Johnson, who had the vehicle on her property, and she told the sergeant her ex-boyfriend Williams was keeping an eye on the vehicle for someone. Williams then told the sergeant over the phone that he had just spoken to Belonga and gave the officer a phone number. However, no one ever answered the phone.

Johnson testified that she had known Williams for a year and a half of dating. They had also lived together at one point. She said they had often talked about marriage.

She recalled winning $76,000 in the lottery, but spending the money within a few months. She said they spent the money together. She testified they argued because she didn't have the money he wanted to spend.

Johnson testified that she used the lottery winnings to buy two vehicles, including a truck registered in her name. In March 2023, the two argued over the truck because he wanted the title for it. She said the argument turned physical.

He knocked her glasses off her face and put his hand around her throat. He also hit her daughter. Johnson called 911 about the argument and Williams ran into the woods with a gun, Johnson testified.

The state played the 911 recording, which Johnson found emotional. The prosecution also showed pictures taken by police officers of Johnson and her daughter. She testified that they separated shortly after this incident.

Johnson testified she became aware of Belonga when Rusk County officials came to her door and said the white car in her driveway was Belonga's and she was missing. Williams told Johnson he was watching the vehicle for a friend and might buy it.

Williams told Johnson he would talk to investigators, but they lied.

She testified that Williams called her often to try to get back together. After Williams was arrested for murder, she said she was scared and hurt.