Mother of teen killed over Air Jordans recalls son's murder during suspect's trial

Jeff Ehling Image
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Mother of victim expected to take stand
The mother of a boy killed for her Air Jordans is expected to take the stand today.

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The mother of a young man who was murdered over a pair of Air Jordans testified Thursday against one of the three suspects involved in her son's slaying.

Dazie Williams still remembers the day her son, Joshua Woods, was killed three years ago.

"I ran to the car to get my son out... to save him. Protect him. That's what mothers supposed to do," Williams said. "Told him it was me here. It was gonna be OK."

Williams said her son's organs helped save at least one person's life.

"Someone has my son's heart. Two people gave his kidneys. One has his liver."

Neal Bland and two others are charged with killing Woods on December 21, 2012 after they allegedly followed him from Willowbrook Mall, where he'd just bought a pair of limited-release Nike Air Jordan shoes, and robbed him. Bland is now on trial for his role in the killing.

Williams has been outspoken since her son's murder. She says the limited release of the popular Air Jordan sneakers creates a demand for the shoes that too often leads to crime.

Williams has started an organization called Life over Fashion and is trying to get the fashion industry to stop limited releases of products.

We're following this trial and will post any new information as we get it.

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