Posted inCrime & Safety

Judge upholds death verdict in Berkeley-Oakland murders

Alaysha Carradine, 8, and Anthony “Tone” Medearis, 22, were both killed in fatal shootings in 2013. Photos: Courtesy of family Alaysha Carradine, 8, and Anthony “Tone” Medearis, 22, were both killed in fatal shootings in 2013. Photos: Courtesy of family Wednesday afternoon, an Alameda County Superior Court judge ordered convicted double murderer Darnell Williams Jr. […]

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Jury recommends death in double murder case

Relatives of Anthony Medearis III and Alaysha Carradine thanked members of the district attorney’s office, including prosecutor John Brouhard (left) after the verdict came in. Photo: Emilie Raguso Relatives of Anthony Medearis III and Alaysha Carradine thanked members of the district attorney’s office, including prosecutor John Brouhard (left) after the verdict came in. Photo: Emilie […]

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Jury to begin deliberations in murder trial of ‘psychopath’

Alaysha Carradine, 8, and Anthony “Tone” Medearis, 22, were murdered by Darnell Williams Jr. in fatal shootings in 2013. Photos: Courtesy of family Alaysha Carradine, 8, and Anthony “Tone” Medearis, 22, were murdered by Darnell Williams Jr. in fatal shootings in 2013. Photos: Courtesy of family In closing statements Tuesday in the murder trial of Darnell Williams Jr., attorneys […]

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Williams decides not to testify; defense rests

Rene C. Davidson Courthouse. Photo: Melati Citrawireja After suddenly announcing Wednesday that convicted murderer Darnell Williams Jr. would testify on his own behalf, the defense team backtracked Thursday morning with the brief announcement that it would instead rest its case. The disappointment in the courtroom was palpable, as relatives and supporters of Williams’ two murder […]

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Breaking: Convicted murderer says he’ll take the stand

Darnell Williams Jr. mugshot. Photo: ACSO Minutes after a forensic psychologist described the extensive and longstanding impulse-control problems exhibited by convicted murderer Darnell Williams Jr., he suddenly announced through his attorneys that he plans to take the stand in his own defense. His attorneys said it wasn’t the first time they had discussed the subject, but were […]

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Attorney: Williams says ‘death sentence is fine with him’

Darnell Williams Jr. mugshot. Photo: ACSO A Berkeley man found guilty of two murders earlier this month, who could face the death penalty, asked an Alameda County Superior Court judge Monday to dismiss the jury and make his own ruling on sentencing. Both attorneys for 25-year-old Darnell Williams Jr. strongly advised him not to waive his rights […]

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‘Penalty trial’ begins in Berkeley-Oakland murder case

Darnell Williams Jr. Darnell Williams Jr., found guilty earlier this month of two murders and several special circumstances, had a history of violent attacks both in and out of prison that make the death penalty the appropriate sentence for him, the prosecution said Monday. In the next phase of the case, attorneys are set to present evidence […]

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Guilty verdicts in Berkeley-Oakland death penalty case

Alaysha Carradine, 8, and Anthony “Tone” Medearis III, 22, were killed in fatal shootings in 2013. Photos: Courtesy of family Alaysha Carradine, 8, and Anthony “Tone” Medearis III, 22, were killed in fatal shootings in 2013. Photos: Courtesy of family After nearly a month of testimony, followed by less than two full days of deliberations, an […]