Grand jury to hear Raven Drive murder case

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Emotions ran high as family members from both sides packed Judge Charles McKnight's courtroom for a preliminary hearing in the murder case of Frederick Williams.

The 20-year-old was shot multiple times in the front yard of a home on Raven drive back in April.

"The witnesses testified that they observed three people come toward a particular residence on Raven Drive where the victim was located. He was talking to a married couple who was standing in the yard with their five-year-old, two of the three came across the street, one started shooting according to two witnesses," said Assistant District Attorney Jo Beth Murphree.

The two who allegedly came across the street are Darnell Robinson and Tarris Cromwell. Several witnesses from the neighborhood testified, as well as a Mobile Police homicide detective. In testimony, it was said the clip to the 9mm allegedly used to shoot Williams was emptied.

Cromwell's defense attorney, Jason Darley, claims his client is innocent.

"Tarris didn't do this, he was in a different area of town. We have witnesses. This was the prosecutions day to put their evidence to show probable cause, it's a low burden," said Darley.

McKnight decided the state showed probable cause. Now, a grand jury will hear the evidence. Members of the victim's family said it's important for them to be in court.

"It's a fight for justice, we're here for Fred. He didn't deserve to die how he died. It's hard but I believe in the justice system," Erica Dunn said.

Both suspects are being held in metro jail. Murphree said this incident was part of an ongoing dispute.