Jury Finds Son Accused of Fatally Shooting His Father Not Guilty

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Following a two-week trial on April 22, a jury of 12 returned a verdict in the case of a physical altercation-turned-shooting between a father and son.

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

According to court documents, Williams shot his father in the chest after a verbal and physical altercation over five dollars worth of marijuana.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution provided eyewitness testimony from those in the apartment at the time of the shooting, including Magruder’s wife and young son. They testified that Magruder had been the initial aggressor and repeatedly struck Williams, who did not fight back and tried to flee.

Witnesses, including a previous victim of Magruder’s actions, testified to his involvement in multiple physical attacks, including beating his ex-wife, children, widow, and strangers.

Williams also took the stand, claiming Magruder had threatened to kill him during their altercation, and there had been a struggle for the gun, causing Williams to react in self-defense when he retrieved it.

“I wish it never happened,” said Williams, and expressed that he still missed his father.

In their closing statements, the prosecution argued that Williams shot his father out of anger and a desire for revenge, citing that Williams “didn’t have to pull the trigger” on Magruder, who was unarmed.

Williams’ defense attorneys, Jason Tulley and Kavua Naini, argued that Magruder had a history of violent tendencies towards others, and Williams feared for his life.

Following only a few hours of deliberations, the jury found Williams not guilty of second-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. However, he was found guilty of carrying a pistol without a license.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 12.

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