http://www.newschannel5.com/news/0107/31/mills.html

Opry Mills Murder Witness Speaks

The blind man at the center of that murder outside Opry Mills is speaking out Tuesday.

Willie Houston was shot and killed after a cruise on the General Jackson Sunday.

Witnesses said Houston's killer teased him because he helped a blind man to the bathroom while he held his fiancé's purse.

The man, who asked NewsChannel 5 not to identify him because he fears for his safety, said he was upset.

The blind man was at the scene while Houston, his friend, was gunned down in the Opry Mills parking lot.

Lewis Maynard Davidson, III

Police said they believe Lewis Maynard Davidson, III, pulled the trigger.

The blind man was close friends with Houston and was at the scene at the time of the murder. Friends said the man feels guilty because Houston was killed after helping him.

"I'd like to say I love Willie as a brother. I know Willie's gone now. He's in a better place. Thanks for everything, Willie," the man said.

Police said the suspect, Davidson, has a long criminal record including arrests for aggravated assault, drugs and weapons charges and evading arrest.

Anyone with information about Houston's murder or the suspect should call Metro police at 862-7546.