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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Posted inCrime, Crime & Safety
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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Convicted killer: ‘I been in the streets since I was 9’
Darnell Williams Jr. Photo: ACSO Despite knowing he would be arrested as a result, the father of a convicted murderer came to court Tuesday to ask for mercy for his son, who could face the death penalty after being found guilty earlier this month of gunning down two people, including a child, in 2013. Darnell Williams Sr., 49, […]
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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 […]
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Attorneys spar over evidence in death penalty case
A trail of 15 cartridge casings led from the scene of a dice game in West Berkeley toward the corner where Anthony Medearis III was struck with a bullet, fatally, in the back.
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Closing arguments begin in Berkeley-Oakland death penalty case: ‘Alaysha saw her killer’ and he saw her
After four weeks in trial, with 13 days of testimony and 36 witnesses, prosecutor John Brouhard began his closing arguments Monday.
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Sister of man charged with 2 murders takes the stand
Darnell Williams Jr. mugshot, courtesy of NBC Bay Area The older sister of a Berkeley man who could face the death penalty if found guilty of two fatal shootings in 2013 testified on his behalf Monday, but her testimony may have done more harm than good. Chastity Williams, sister of Darnell Williams Jr., told the […]
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Berkeley killings get spotlight in death penalty case
A memorial lanyard showing Anthony “Tone” Medearis III. Photo: Emilie Raguso A memorial lanyard showing Anthony “Tone” Medearis III. Photo: Emilie Raguso One month into the trial of a Berkeley man charged with two murders, who could face the death penalty, his defense attorneys are slated to begin to present evidence to the jury Monday. Darnell Williams […]
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Newly found photo could bolster prosecution’s case in Berkeley-Oakland death penalty trial
Darnell Williams Jr. mugshot, courtesy of NBC Bay Area A Berkeley man facing multiple murder charges may have inadvertently tipped off the prosecution to a notable piece of evidence by insisting he get access to material on his old cellphone. Police had confiscated the phone of Darnell Williams Jr. at the time of his arrest in Berkeley […]
