Judge Poole To Rule If Statement By Alleged Finley Stadium Rapist Will Be Allowed In Trial

  • Monday, October 6, 2014
  • Hollie Webb

After a Monday morning hearing, Criminal Court Judge Don Poole will be deciding if the original statement by an alleged rapist will be allowed in trial.

Though only 16 at the time, it was ruled Deacon Williams was to be tried as an adult after he was charged with the attack and rape of a woman outside Finley Stadium in 2012. His co-defendant, Devontavious Bryant, was 18 at the time.  

According to police, Bryant and Williams came up to a female jogger and attempted to rob her. When she said she did not have anything but an mp3 player with her, police said the two defendants tied a jacket around her neck until she passed out. When she woke up, police said she was in the dirt with both men standing over her.  

She told police the men told her they had a knife. She said they threatened her to have sex with them and not to scream. She said both defendants raped her.  

Williams' defense attorneys filed a motion to suppress the original statement that Williams gave police.  

Defense attorney Erin O'Leary said his age at the time was a huge factor. It was also stated that Williams' mother made a comment during the interview, speculating if her son needed a lawyer.  

However, prosecutor Cameron Williams said the comment was more "probing of the right to have a lawyer" rather than unequivocally asking for a lawyer.  

Sergeant Daniel Francis from the Chattanooga Police Department testified that he did not believe Williams had been specifically asking for a lawyer. He also testified that Williams understood what was being asked. 

Williams' defense attorneys also filed for a separate trial from Bryant.  

Judge Poole will rule on these matters during a pre-trial hearing on Oct. 27.

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