Jonte was raised in Bruceton, TN and attended Central’s junior and senior high school.
According to the victim's account, he had recently suffered from a head injury that resulted in strange behavior by Willis.
He won the US national championship in March 2006, initially he was the runner-up losing in the final to Mike Wilson 23-12.
[2] He also had a 2nd place showing at the 2006 Police Athletic League National Championships where he lost against Michael Hunter, 8-10.
[3] Willis was KOd by Cuban's Olympic Champion Odlanier Solis Fonte in the 2006 World Cup tournament in October 2006 Baku.
[4] He placed 2nd in the 2007 Pam Am Qualifier where he beat Hunter in a close fight 16-16(27-24) but could not compete against his old foe Mike Wilson due to illness.