A jury found a domestic homicide defendant guilty on all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Park on July 16.
Wonell Jones Jr., 38, is charged with premeditated 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 a crime of violence, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of the mother of two of his children, 33-year-old Audora Williams. The incident occurred at Williams’ home on July 19, 2022, on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE. Williams sustained 52 wounds and defects.
Less than 24 hours after closing arguments, the jury unanimously found Jones guilty on all charges.
In the trial that began on July 9, the prosecution argued that Jones deliberately shot Williams an extraordinary number of times. Jones’ attorneys, Steven Kiersh and Megan Allburn, argued that Jones was not culpable for Williams’ death. However, in closing arguments they advised that if the jury found Jones guilty, the charge should be manslaughter, not murder.
“Today’s verdict, guilty on all charges, is a step toward justice for Williams and a clear affirmation that such brutality will be met with unwavering accountability,” said US Attorney Jeanine Pirro in a press release on July 16.
At the time of her murder, Williams had a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) against Jones.
After the jury delivered their verdict, Kiersh notified the court that they intend to submit a motion for a new trial and requested to push back Jones’ sentencing date.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 30 for sentencing.
