Jurors began deliberating on Oct. 6 after counsel delivered closing arguments in the case of a Baltimore man charged with a 2020 fatal stabbing.
Darius Williams, 38, is charged with first- and second-degree murder and intent to injure with a deadly weapon for his alleged involvement in the June 25, 2020 fatal stabbing of Eric Jones, 49. Jones was stabbed over 20 times on the 2300 block of Westwood Avenue following a dispute between him and Williams.
The prosecution pointed to surveillance footage showing Jones allegedly being chased by an individual in a black hoodie and gray sweatpants, who was later seen appearing to stab Jones. Jones was 5 feet and 4 inches tall, and weighed 120 pounds, the prosecution said, and his attacker appeared much larger in comparison. They noted that Williams, who is 6 feet and 4 inches tall and weighs 300 pounds, fits the appearance of the suspect.
Jones died from 24 stab wounds. The prosecution reminded jurors that DNA found under Jones’ fingernails produced a match with Williams of at least 419 million times likelihood.
Jones’ attacker appeared right-handed in the footage, like Williams. The prosecution questioned why Williams’ DNA would be on Jones if he had no contact with him.
The prosecution’s only eyewitness reportedly identified Williams in a photographic array just seven days after the homicide. Although she expressed hesitation on the stand, the prosecution noted she was afraid after “the streets told her not to talk.”
“You put all of that together, and you can find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” the prosecution said about the evidence against Williams.
Defense counsel responded by challenging the credibility of the state’s eyewitness, noting she appeared absent from the crime scene in area surveillance footage and was not seen with Jones the day of his stabbing. Despite claiming she knew Jones for 14 years, she only knew him by the nickname “Cookieman,” the defense pointed out.
The defense also said the witness’ admission to daily drug use cast further doubt onto her reliability, and questioned why police waited nearly a year to obtain a search warrant for Williams despite the witness’ positive identification. Another woman at the scene who called 911 to report the stabbing described the attacker as having “a bush” hairstyle, while Williams’ hair appeared cropped close to his head.
Defense counsel reminded jurors that no evidence was found at the crime scene that could directly link Williams to the murder, and that Jones’ cellphone records produced no proof of any connection between him and Williams. Investigators had also found DNA beneath Jones’ fingernails that matched two other people, but never attempted to identify or follow up with the individuals.
Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Barry G Williams presided over proceedings. The jury is currently deliberating.
