Defense Attorneys Challenge Murder Defendant’s Positive Drug Test

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Defense attorneys Jason D. Tulley and Caitlin Hatakeyama revealed Nov. 18 that a murder defendant, who has suffered a history of fentanyl addiction, tested positive for the drug after 90 days of inpatient treatment.

Stephon Williams, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol outside a home or business for allegedly shooting his 49-year-old father Stephen Magruder on Sept. 11, 2020, on the 700 block of 51st Street, NE during a dispute.

In the Friday hearing, the defense disputed the result of the drug test, suggesting that the positive result could have come from test samples being switched or lingering fentanyl within the defendant’s system.

The defense has begun investigation into the underlying data and full report of the DNA test. The defense plans to have a forensic chemist evaluate the results.

DC Superior Court Judge Milton C. Lee ordered a spot test that same day for the defendant to see whether the fentanyl found in his system is from new use or is residual.

On Sept. 11, 2020, Metropolitan police officers responded to reports of a shooting within an apartment complex, according to court documents. Upon arrival, officers found the victim lying unconscious on the living room floor suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 20.