Associated Press

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — The Georgia prosecutor who oversaw the murder case made famous by the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” has died. Former Chatham County District Attorney Spencer Lawton Jr. died Wednesday at his home in Savannah, Gamble Funeral Service said. He was 81 years old. Lawton served as the attorney general of the Savannah district for nearly three decades and was known as an advocate for expanding the rights of crime victims. He became best known for a case that began during his first year in office. In 1981, Lawton indicted Savannah antique dealer Jim Williams on murder charges for shooting a young man in his home. Four of Williams’ essays formed the basis of John Berendt’s 1994 bestseller.