Witnesses Present Conflicting Testimony in Father-Son Homicide Case

By Nicole Hansen , Rohan Naval - April 22, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, witnesses gave conflicting testimonies regarding the character of 49-year-old Stephen Magruder, who was alleged to have been shot and killed by his son Stephon Williams, 32.

Williams 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 Magruder on Sept. 11, 2020, on the 700 block of 51st Street, NE.

According to previous testimony by Magruder’s widow, the shooting was the result of a disputed five dollar marijuana transaction.

On April 19, the defense called Williams’ brother, who is incarcerated, to testify regarding Magruder’s behavior as a father. 

Defense attorney Jason Tulley raised objections over the witness being placed in shackles during his testimony. In an exchange, Judge Epstein told Tulley not to “roll his eyes at [him]”, and Tulley said that he was “kind of frustrated,” following the court’s refusal to unshackle the witness. 

The witness testified that he had a close relationship with Williams. He stated that Magruder “hit [Williams] in the face”, and that he repeatedly hit him as a child.

“Nine times out of ten, he would basically put his hands on him,” said the witness, emphasizing that Magruder used a “closed fist.” 

The witness explained that Williams often had injuries, and that his mother was “pissed” when she found out. According to the witness, he had an argument with Magruder over hitting Williams.  He added that Williams was silent about the violence, reasoning that ”you got to display toughness.” 

According to the Witness, the relationship between Williams’ parents “wasn’t nice,” adding that Magruder “visibly hurt her a couple times.” He recounted an instance where Magruder hurt her whilst she was pregnant, stating that he “blew” her out of the car and “left her outside.”

Williams was often comforted by Tulley during the course of the testimony. 

Later, the defense read out an affidavit from a criminal case involving Magruder, where he was stated to have “held and pointed a black handgun” towards a close family friend. The affidavit stated that the handgun was recovered at his house and he was arrested. 

The defense rested its case, and the prosecution called two people related to Williams and Magruder as part of their rebuttal.  

The prosecution called Magruder’s mother who testified that she had seen Williams and Magruder together regularly during Williams’ adulthood. 

However, she denied having ever seen Magruder be violent towards Williams, and couldn’t recall if she had ever heard about the abuse. 

According to the witness, she had “never” seen physical evidence of abuse on Williams, including bruises or abrasions. 

Following her testimony, prosecutors called on Magruder’s younger brother, who testified the relationship he witnessed between Magruder and Williams during adulthood was “father and son.” He denied ever seeing violence between the two. 

During cross-examination, Tulley questioned the witness about Magruder’s beliefs regarding discipline. The witness established that physical discipline towards children in the family was never severe or violent.

However, he testified he had not seen every interaction between Magruder and Williams. 

The prosecution rested its case, concluding the presentation of evidence. 

Closing statements are set for April 22.