Accused murderer's trial may start this week

Murder suspect William Williams, 41, charged with first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and drive-by shooting in connection with the death of Janus Afo on Sept. 28 in downtown Shelton, could face trail this week.

A decision on the trial’s opening day was made after the Journal’s press time.

Prosecutors filed a pretrial request, known as a motion in limine, Sept. 12 to limit evidence during the trial.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tyler Bickerton asked Judge Daniel Goodell to exclude certain references to Afo’s character, according to the motion.

“It is anticipated that the defense will attempt to offer reputation evidence of the decedent, therefore the plaintiff requests that said testimony come from a neutral witness in the generalized community,” Bickerton wrote.

Afo’s “reputation among law enforcement” and also “reputation among family members” is inadmissible, according to the motion.

Prosecutors asked Goodell to allow three questions for a neutral witness regarding Afo’s reputation:

“i. Are you aware of Janus Afo’s reputation in the community?

ii. Did Janus Afo have a reputation for quarrelsome and violent behavior?

iii. Is this reputation good or bad?”

The motion asks to exclude “any references to specific instances.”

Prosecutors said Afo’s criminal history should also be suppressed.

“The decedent will not be testifying; therefore, his credibility is not at issue and crimes of dishonesty shall not be elicited,” according to the motion.

Afo’s criminal history includes pending charges for second-degree robbery and an active no contact order, convictions for second-degree robbery, residential burglary – attempted and residential burglary – conspiracy and acquittal of second-degree theft and first-degree robbery, which should not be discussed in trial, the motion states.

Afo also has two dismissed charges, one for second-degree robbery and one for second-degree assault, that prosecutors asked to be excluded from evidence.

The motion also asks Goodell to prohibit mention of Afo’s family members’ criminal history.

Afo’s relatives Jordan and Jareau Afo were convicted in connection with the murder of Derrick Wily in 2020.

Williams should be prevented from “irrelevant references” to his personal life, including his tribal affiliation, because “these matters are outside the record,” Bickerton wrote.

Kennedy Karpf, 25, pleaded guilty Jan. 5 to first-degree rendering criminal assistance in connection to helping Williams.

Goodell followed state’s recommendations and sentenced Karpf to time served in Mason County, 79 days, with no restitution or probation.