Another emotional day in court for the family of 8-year-old JonMarquis Stepich, who prosecutors say was killed by his mother’s fiancé, Orlando Williams of North Braddock.
They say Williams inflicted such severe physical abuse that doctors said the child was essentially dead by the time he was brought to the hospital.
Williams showed no outward emotion but sometimes took notes during the two-and-half day first-degree murder trial.
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During closing arguments Thursday, the defense told the judge the evidence should give her enough reasonable doubt to find Williams not guilty.
The defense said JonMarquis' mother did not seek immediate medical attention for her son and instead went to sleep. And although the case is unspeakably tragic, it's possible the victim’s mother or his older brother could have inflicted the fatal injuries then lied about it, the defense said.
The prosecutor countered by saying medical evidence demonstrates how and when JonMarquis was murdered.
The third-grader was killed sometime between 1:30 and 3 a.m. by a drunk and angry Williams, who was mad because the tired little boy didn't clean his room to Williams’ satisfaction, the prosecutor said.
The judge is expected to render a verdict Monday.