Trial is set to begin Monday for Dorien Meullion, the man accused of shooting Tarone Williams to death on East Ninth Street in October 2016, and attorneys discussed potential language that could be used at trial during a hearing Thursday.
Attorney Clay Beineke represents Meullion and is asking Judge John Atkins to not allow the Commonwealth to use any inflammatory language such as ‘cold-blooded’ or ‘heinous’ at trial.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Lynn Pryor says there won’t be any name-calling or unnecessary inflammatory language, but she does intend to describe the killing as an ‘ambush.’
Beineke disagrees with the use of ambush in this case.
Judge Atkins says he’ll hear any objections during trial and rule on language on a case-by-case basis.
Beineke and Pryor also discussed potential discussion of Williams’ character during trial. Beineke says he can present evidence that Williams had received a text message of a threat from someone other than Meullion on the day of the crime and that he presented himself as a drug-dealer during rap videos he produced in which he was armed.
Judge Atkins says the threat can be presented, and possibly evidence that Williams had a reputation for violence, but it’s unlikely any association with drugs would be relevant for Meullion’s defense.