Prosecution’s Case Rests on Witness’s Health

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 9, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

The prosecution told a DC Superior Court judge that they wouldn’t move forward with a case if a witness died.

Taron Oliver, 44, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 41-year-old Nathaniel Williams, his stepfather, in 1995. A previous article reported that

Nathaniel Williams

Williams was arrested multiple times for assaulting Oliver’s mother.

During a hearing on July 8, Oliver’s defense attorney, David Benowitz, requested medical documentation, or another form of evidence, to support the claim that a witness in the case would pass away soon. On July 3, Judge Craig Iscoe granted the prosecution’s motion to allow a witness to have their deposition videotaped, rather than appearing in court.

The prosecution said the account of the witness’ “imminent death” comes from the wife of the witness. Judge Iscoe said the witness’ condition created urgency for attaining the videotaped deposition quickly.

When asked, the prosecutor said that he wouldn’t be able to move forward if the key witness died, but he would work to get the witness’s medical records. According to court documents, the witness is currently hospitalized in the state of Georgia for congestive heart failure.

Counselors told the court that they are in plea negotiations.

A status hearing is scheduled on July 15 to assess the status of the medical records.