Prosecutors in a murder case argued for the inclusion of protective orders the victim filed against the defendant as evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 3.
Wonnell Jones Jr., 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Audora Williams on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE, on July 19, 2022. Williams sustained a total of 52 gunshot wounds and other injuries.
The prosecution argued for the inclusion of multiple pieces of evidence against Jones at trial, including a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) filed by Williams against Jones on Feb. 28, 2021. There was also an arrest warrant for Jones after he allegedly unlawfully entered Williams’ address on May 5, 2022. The prosecution also mentioned a witness they expect will testify that they heard Jones threatening to kill Williams.
The prosecutor explained the purpose of these was to show the “nature and pattern of their relationship.”
Jones’ attorney, Megan Allburn, responded that these TPO’s are “unduly prejudicial” against Jones, claiming their inclusion in the trial would leave the jury to speculate allegations about the TPO itself. Allburn explained that Williams had an attorney at the time of the TPO, while Jones was proceeding “pro se,” without an attorney.
Judge Ryan suggested the prosecution wanted to use the TPO’s as proof of motive. He explained that “the fact of the [homicide] being in the midst of TPO proceedings seems pretty pertinent to me.”
Allburn refuted, claiming there would be no one to cross-examine Williams’ position which would cause details to be left out, arguing the defense would be at a disadvantage.
In response, Judge Ryan asserted that “sensible lawyers deal with these issues and eliminate speculations of the jury.”
The prosecution also argued for the inclusion of a photo of Williams’ phone containing her call log on the day of the homicide, showcasing a call from Jones that they claim was a threat. The prosecutor also wanted to elicit the location of Jones’ arrest in Florida.
Allburn stated she expected the prosecutor to make those arguments and needed to make a decision with Jones’ other attorney Steven Kiersh about their client’s testimony. Judge Ryan granted the request for more time to litigate the issue.
Parties are slated to reconvene June 23 prior to a jury trial scheduled for July 1.
