Murder suspect disparages victim in court

The Superior Court judge in Camden instructed William A. Clark III to not speak about his murder case, but Clark stood up anyway.

"I've got something to say," Clark, 50, a man with dirty blond hair, a thick beard, and tattoos of wings on his arms, told Judge Edward J. McBride Jr. Then he gave his two cents about his roommate, Steven Johnston, 52, whom he admitted fatally shooting in the head Saturday: "He's a child molester, your honor."

Clark's outburst Monday - while true - drew another admonition from McBride to stop talking. Clark, who has at least nine prior arrests for assault and other crimes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, was then ordered held on $1 million bail.

He and Johnston lived with another man at an apartment in the 400 block of South White Horse Pike in Audubon, authorities said. Police responded around 3 a.m. Saturday after Clark called 911 and told dispatchers he had shot Johnston with a 9mm handgun. Clark also allegedly called a friend and said he "blew Steven's head off."

Clark later told detectives he had become irritated during a conversation with Johnston, though what they were discussing was not known.

Johnston has 18 photos, the oldest dating to 2000, in the state's Megan's Law database, where sex offenders are required to register. He sexually assaulted a girl under 13 in Camden County and was convicted in 1999, according to the database.

How Clark and Johnston met was not known, but both had run into trouble with the law.

In Pennsylvania, prosecutors said, Clark was arrested seven times in the '80s and '90s for crimes that ranged from assault to disorderly conduct. He was also convicted in 1987 of fleeing from police.

In New Jersey, prosecutors said, Clark has a pending indictment in Camden County for driving with a suspended license, which he received from two prior DWI convictions.

Assistant Prosecutor Howard Gilfert described Clark as a farmer with no spouse. McBride pointed out that Clark had several family members in the courtroom. They declined to speak to a reporter afterward.

Suspects typically stay silent during an arraignment, other than answering basic questions about the charges and whether they have an attorney.

After calling Johnston a child molester, Clark went back and forth with McBride, who repeatedly told him to not discuss the case.

"I'm too screwed up in the head," Clark said at one point during the exchange, before grimacing in apparent disappointment as McBride announced his bail.

A few minutes later, as court officers led him out, Clark softly cursed at McBride.

McBride gave no reaction.