Savannah Prosecutor Spencer Lawton Jr. Passes Away at 81

18 Nov at 6:14 pm

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Savannah Prosecutor Spencer Lawton Jr. Passes Away at 81 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Spencer Lawton Jr., the former Chatham County district attorney known for his work advocating for crime victims and prosecuting the famous Jim Williams trial from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, has died at age 81. During his 28-year tenure, he established a model program for victims’ assistance that influenced Georgia’s legal system and expanded crime victims’ rights. Lawton’s legacy as a champion for justice and professionalism is celebrated by colleagues and the legal community.

Remembering Spencer Lawton Jr.: Quick Looks

Legacy of Justice: Lawton served as Chatham County’s district attorney from 1980 to 2008.
Victims’ Advocate: Created a victim assistance program adopted across Georgia.
High-Profile Case: Prosecuted the Jim Williams trial, central to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Post-Retirement Work: Helped expand Georgia’s crime victims’ rights in 2010.
Impact on Community: Colleagues and peers praised his professionalism and dedication to justice.

Deep Look

Spencer Lawton Jr., a former Chatham County district attorney whose trailblazing work in advancing victims’ rights left a lasting impact on Georgia’s legal system, has died at 81. Lawton passed away at his home in Savannah on Wednesday, as confirmed by Gamble Funeral Service. No cause of death was disclosed.

A Storied Legal Career

Lawton was a private attorney in Savannah when he was elected district attorney in 1980. Over the next 28 years, he became a transformative figure in Georgia’s legal community, serving as the top prosecutor for Chatham County until his retirement in 2008.

His tenure was defined by a commitment to justice and professionalism. One of his hallmark achievements was the creation of a program to assist crime victims and witnesses, helping them navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. This initiative not only supported victims emotionally but also ensured they remained informed and empowered throughout the legal process.

Champion of Victims’ Rights

Lawton’s victim assistance program was groundbreaking at the time. It hired and trained advocates to guide victims through court proceedings, provide updates on case developments, and connect them with counseling services. His innovative approach quickly became a model for other prosecutors’ offices across Georgia.

“Before these programs, victims were often left in the dark about their cases,” said Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Georgia Prosecuting Attorneys Council. “Spencer changed that. He ensured victims had a voice and a resource to turn to.”

Even after his retirement, Lawton continued to advocate for victims. In 2010, he helped spearhead efforts to strengthen Georgia’s crime victims’ rights laws. The resulting legislation guaranteed victims the right to speak at sentencing hearings, be notified about case resolutions, and receive updates on perpetrators’ prison status, including escapes or releases.

The Jim Williams Case

Despite his long career, Lawton is perhaps best known for prosecuting the murder trial of antiques dealer Jim Williams, a case that became the centerpiece of John Berendt’s bestselling book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

The case began in May 1981 when Williams fatally shot Danny Hansford, a 21-year-old employee and romantic partner, at his historic Savannah mansion. Williams claimed self-defense, but police suspected he staged the scene to make it appear that Hansford fired first.

Lawton personally prosecuted Williams, securing indictments and navigating four trials over nearly a decade. The Georgia Supreme Court overturned convictions from the first two trials, while the third ended in a hung jury. Williams was acquitted in 1989 and died seven months later.

Berendt’s book, published in 1994, painted a vivid portrait of Savannah society, with Williams at the center and Lawton as his formidable courtroom opponent. The district attorney was described as “eloquent and venomous,” a depiction that some of Lawton’s colleagues found unfair.

“I never read the book, but I’ve heard it didn’t capture the real Spencer,” said David Lock, Lawton’s former chief assistant prosecutor. “What stands out to me isn’t that case—it’s the professionalism and integrity Spencer brought to everything he did.”

A Legacy of Professionalism

Lawton’s contributions extended beyond high-profile cases. He set a standard for professionalism in the legal field, emphasizing meticulous preparation and ethical conduct. Colleagues remember him as a mentor who inspired others to pursue justice for those often overlooked, including victims from marginalized communities.

“He was a huge proponent for victims of crimes,” said Meg Heap, who worked under Lawton as a victim advocate and later succeeded him as Chatham County district attorney. “You stand on the side of right and bring justice for someone who might otherwise be ignored. That was Spencer.”

Colleagues Reflect

David Lock, who worked closely with Lawton for many years, praised his focus on victims’ rights and his impact on Georgia’s legal community. “His special contribution was making victims’ rights a priority. He brought professionalism to every endeavor,” Lock said.

Skandalakis echoed these sentiments, noting how Lawton’s programs reshaped the role of district attorneys’ offices across the state. “Spencer’s work became the gold standard for how prosecutors handle victim-witness assistance,” he said.

A Community Loss

Lawton retired from public service at the end of 2008 but remained active in advocating for justice. His death marks the passing of a legal trailblazer whose contributions continue to benefit countless victims and their families.

As Savannah and Georgia’s legal community mourns his loss, Lawton’s legacy lives on through the programs he created, the laws he helped shape, and the many lives he touched.