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Murder victim's 13-year-old brother breaks down during testimony

PITTSBURGH — The trial of a man charged in the death of an 8-year-old boy continued Wednesday with emotional testimony from the victim’s brother.

Orlando Williams, of North Braddock, is charged with homicide, endangering the welfare of children and reckless endangerment in the death of JonMarquis Stepich.

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According to police, Williams killed Stepich over the child’s messy room.

The victim’s older brother took the stand Wednesday in the nonjury trial, telling the judge he was afraid of Williams, but also saw him as a father figure

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The seventh-grader cried as he testified that he saw Williams punch his little brother so hard that he banged the back of his head off of the living room wall of the family’s home.

He said Williams was angry that took the trash through the home’s front door instead of the back.

When Williams’ defense attorney asked him to describe which part of his brother’s head hit the wall, the 13-year-old broke down on the stand. He was led to the judge’s chambers until he was able to regain his composure and resume his testimony.

According to a criminal complaint, Williams told police he had been drinking earlier in the day Sunday and that his fiancée left for work, leaving him with her three children.

Orlando Williams

Williams told police that while in JohnMarquis’ room, he stumbled on a laundry basket with clothing in it. Williams said he became angry and yelled at the boy.

According to the complaint, Williams then grabbed the boy and tried to slam him on his bed but missed.

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A doctor from UPMC Children’s Hospital testified Wednesday that the victim’s severe head injury didn’t come from a single blow but from repetitive force on his head.

The trial resumes Thursday when Williams’ defense is expected to begin its case.

 

Cox Media Group

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