Murder trial begins for shooting death of 9-year-old OKC boy

Opening arguments began Tuesday in the murder trial of Michael Williams, one of four men charged in connection with the shooting death of 9-year-old Dumarcus Fuller Jr. in Southeast Oklahoma City.

Prosecutors allege Williams participated in a drive-by shooting on October 4, 2022, that was intended as retaliation for stolen firearms and drugs. Dumarcus, who was not the intended target, was struck by a bullet while playing video games inside his home.

Previous Coverage: Court Documents Reveal Motive For SE Oklahoma City Drive-By Shooting That Killed 9-Year-Old Boy

Williams faces charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit a felony, and possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.

Opening Arguments Begin in Murder Trial of 9-Year-Old’s Death

Jurors heard opening arguments Tuesday morning in the murder trial for Williams.

Prosecutors say Williams and three other men planned the attack that ultimately killed the young boy.

Dumarcus was inside his home, playing video games, when a barrage of gunfire ripped through the house.

One of those bullets hit Dumarcus. He was rushed to the hospital but didn’t survive.

Details of the Crime: A Retaliation Over Stolen Property

Investigators say the shooting was a form of retaliation. The men allegedly planned the drive-by shooting in response to a stolen bag of firearms and drugs. Dumarcus was not the intended target but got caught in the crossfire. Police say Sean Beals drove Michael Williams, Austin Parker, and Micah Knighten to the scene of the shooting. Investigators believed three of the suspects were armed.

After the shooting, Beals was the first arrested. Investigators quickly located video which placed his car near the murder scene. Two of the other suspects immediately fled the state. Williams was arrested in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Parker was arrested in Denver, Colorado. Knighten was captured in Midwest City. The four men were charged with first-degree murder in Oklahoma County District Court.

Court Records Sealed Before Trial

Ahead of Williams’ trial on March 24th, the case file was sealed. Online court records had previously detailed the case's progress through the court system, including key procedural developments since 2022. The record previously revealed the prosecution's intent to use statements made by Williams’ alleged accomplice as evidence at trial. Preliminary reports from investigators also indicated the suspect’s phone records would be a key piece of evidence for the prosecution.

Upcoming Trials for Other Defendants

The trial for Michael Williams is the first to take place, with the other three suspects scheduled for separate trials. At last check, Sean Beals and Micah Knighten were scheduled for their subsequent court appearances in mid-April, while Austin Parker’s trial was set for June 23, 2025.

The reason the case was sealed remained unclear at the time of publication.