DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan declared a mistrial on the first day of a fatal shooting trial on July 7.
Wonell Jones Jr., 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the shooting of 33-year-old Audora Williams, who was killed in her home on July 19, 2022 on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE.
During the prosecution’s opening statements, an observer in the gallery multiple comments heard by the jury, which resulted in Judge Ryan declaring a mistrial and having the interruptor removed from the court room.
Jones Jr. and Williams, who were cousins, shared two children together. According to court documents, Williams sustained 52 gunshot wounds.
The prosecution described how Jones Jr. allegedly shot Williams after an argument. Eight children were reportedly in the home at the time. Two of the children are scheduled to testify in the trial.
“One can only imagine the fear, the concern, the knot that forms in your throat when you are trying to hold back tears,” said the prosecution referencing the children.
The prosecution also indicated that a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) had been issued against Jones Jr. after multiple domestic violence incidents between him and Williams. According to court documents, Jones Jr. reportedly threatened to shoot Williams in the head on June 20, 2022. The previous month, on May 27, Jones Jr. allegedly kicked in the door to Williams’ apartment.
The prosecution told members of the jury Jones Jr. “emptied two guns into her, leaving eight kids at home and then fleeing to Florida.”
After the prosecution finished, Judge Ryan reminded the gallery there was no place for “public participation.” Two audible comments were overheard during the opening. Defense attorneys Steven Kiersh and Megan Allburn approached Judge Ryan and mentioned their concern about how the comments impacted the jury’s perception.
After speaking with both parties, multiple jury members, and court security, Judge Ryan told the onlooker, “you’re dismissed, you need to leave, do not come back.”
The jury returned, with Judge Ryan offering apologies on behalf of the court and officially excusing the jury and declaring a mistrial.
Parties are slated to reconvene July 8 to select a new jury.
