Judge Denies Motion to Suppress Witness Testimony

By Ashley Drazka - March 22, 2024
Daily Stories | Domestic Violence | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On March 22, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein denied a motion to suppress the testimony of six witnesses in a homicide trial.

Stephon Williams, 32, 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 his alleged involvement in the shooting of his 49-year-old father Stephen Magruder on Sept. 11, 2020, on the 700 block of 51st Street, NE.

Jason Tulley and Kavya Naini, Williams’ defense attorneys, claimed that five of the witnesses would testify that they saw “violent acts” by Magruder towards Williams, Williams’ brother, and William’s mother while Williams was a child.

The prosecution argued that one witness’ testimony is hearsay or speculative because they did not know Williams’ state of mind and claimed he was hiding out of fear. However, Tulley noted that witnesses frequently mention people looking scared.

The prosecution also argued that the evidence is “more prejudicial than probative” when referencing the fact that Williams was not present during the incident in which his mother allegedly received a black eye.

However, the defense argued that Williams’ awareness of the situation speaks to his state of mind.

Judge Epstein noted that the testimony shows “evidence of Williams’ fearfulness”.

The last witness was Magruder’s wife at the time of his death. Niani stated that this witness would testify that she was a victim of domestic violence caused by Magruder and there are police reports to support this claim.

The prosecution’s main argument was that almost all of the abuse that Williams experienced happened before he turned 18. “There was a 10-year cooling off period,” said prosecutors as they pointed out that Williams was 29 years old at the time of the shooting.

The prosecutors further argued that Williams did not experience a “reasonable state of fear” because the abuse happened so long ago.

Tulley argued that although most of the abuse against Williams happened long ago, Magruder’s wife was being abused shortly before Magruder was shot showing a pattern of violence.

Tulley further noted that Magruder “physically struck” Williams shortly before the shooting, which triggered a flashback that resulted in Williams’ “imminent fear of death or serious bodily injury”.

“I don’t think that the prejudicial effect outweighs the probative value,” said Judge Epstein as he denied the prosecution’s motion and allowed the defense witnesses to testify.

Parties are slated to return April 1 for trial.