Murder Suspect’s Battle With Addiction Highlights  Status Hearing

By D.C. Witness Staff - May 12, 2023
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A man accused of killing his father in a family dispute is trying to wean himself off drugs and care for his wife with breast cancer.  

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 allegedly shooting his 49-year-old father Stephen Magruder on Sept. 11, 2020, on the 700 block of 51st Street, NE..

In a May 12 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, Williams’ attorney, Jason Tulley, said his client’s medical privacy had been violated because court-appointed rehabilitation officials released information about the defendant’s drug treatment to ““community connections.”  If so, that would be a violation of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Judge Epstein said he couldn’t justify such a finding, but he was interested in Williams’ long standing addiction problem.  According to Tulley, Williams tested positive for fentanyl on May 5 but was negative for two other screens on May 10 and May 15.  Whether Williams is allowed to stay in rehab may be determined in a drug test scheduled after the hearing on May 12. 

Judge Epstein said he was anxious to know the outcome.

Williams, meanwhile, requested a new parole officer because his relationship with the current one has become “toxic,” according to Tulley.   Judge Epstein denied the request. 

Tulley also pointed out that Williams has “done a fantastic job helping his wife who has breast cancer.”  

Judge Epstein continued the matter to see if the behavioral issues could be resolved.  “If the wheels come off,” he said he’ll schedule more hearings.