Jury Begins Deliberations for Music Studio Owner Accused Of Fatally Shooting Stepson

By Tyler Parkes [former] - April 11, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

The jury began deliberations on April 8 for the ongoing trial of homicide defendant Michael Joseph, Sr. before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge John S. Nugent.

Joseph, 45, is accused of first-degree murder and use of a firearm during a violent crime in connection to an incident on Feb. 12, 2021, on the 100 block of Baltic Avenue. 

According to the prosecutors, Joseph and his stepson, Kamari Ivery-Williams, got into an argument at Joseph’s music studio that turned violent. After a physical confrontation, Joseph allegedly pulled a gun out of his bag and shot Ivery-Williams. 

The prosecutor stated that, in many ways, the case comes down to the conflicting testimonies of the defendant and his son.

Pointing to 16-year-old’s testimony, the prosecutor argued that the son, testifying against his father at a young age while also having to upend his life, gives credence to the credibility of his testimony. The son said his father swung first in the altercation, mentioning his father was more aggressive.

The prosecutor also said statements made by the father show some inconsistencies that he was the aggressor in the altercation, nullifying any argument for self-defense. This included how he was incorrect about where he was located in the room at the time of the shooting.

Joseph said he was seated across the room, but evidence shows Joseph standing by the door. Another claim was that Joseph thought Ivery-Williams had a holster on him, while evidence reveals he did not.

Defense attorney Brandon Mead argued that statements made by the victim such as “I’m going to blow your head off” as well as the victim who allegedly possessed a firearm that Joseph used in self-defense is reasonable. 

Mead argued that Joseph feared for his life and did the best he could to stop the victim from inflicting further harm rather than trying to kill him based on statements as well as evidence that Joseph shot the lower half of Ivery-Williams’ body. 

Joseph said he felt he had no choice in the matter, except to act in self-defense. 

Mead also said the son’s testimony against his father was unreliable based on conflicting statements with a testimony given by the medical examiner. Mead said it was dubious that the son said he decided to take a walk after the incident occurred but not call 911, claiming that he had no cell service.

Mead also pointed to Joseph’s behavior throughout his life and throughout the case. Mead argued that Joseph showed good intentions to the victim throughout his life and helped raise him. Furthermore, Joseph wanted to help his community and had future goals for his business.

Joseph immediately turned himself in to the police and was being cooperative with the detectives, giving further credence to the defendant’s testimony, Mead said.