Waldorf man gets 32 years in slaying over ATV

Andrea Noble

A Waldorf man convicted of attacking two men, killing one of them who he mistakenly believed was riding his stolen all-terrain vehicle, was sentenced to 32 years in prison Friday.

Martinez Witherspoon, 24, was found guilty of second-degree murder and two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon in the 2008 slaying of Greenbelt resident Steven Williams, 28, and first-degree assault against Williams' friend, Matthew Bovell. Williams and Bovell were riding ATVs in a wooded area near Surrattsville High School in Clinton when they were attacked.

At his sentencing Friday in Prince George's County District Court, Witherspoon addressed members of Williams' family at length, calling the killing an accident and asking for their forgiveness.

"I've been waiting two years to say this to you, and you've been waiting for two years for justice," Witherspoon said. "Mr. Williams had a future, and I'm sorry for taking that from him."

Witherspoon's ATV was stolen from his parents' Clinton home sometime on April 15, 2008, according to police. Upon hearing Williams and Bovell riding ATVs nearby later that day, Witherspoon believed they were riding his stolen ATV and went to find them, according to his attorney Luis Simmons.

Witherspoon stepped out into the path to confront the men and, believing they were being attacked, they swerved to try to hit him, Simmons said. Witherspoon said he did not think he had stabbed either and left after realizing neither of the ATVs was his.

"I just hope that somewhere down the line you all will see that I'm sincere in saying what happened out there was an accident," Witherspoon said.

Prosecuting assistant state's attorney Joseph C. Ruddy Jr. said both Bovell, who testified as a witness in the case, and Williams had stab wounds four inches deep and that Williams died after choking on his own blood. Bovell's call to 911 to report the attack was played during the trial as evidence.

"This was a hunt, and [Witherspoon] left his prey in the woods to die," Ruddy said.

Williams' family members said his death was a huge loss for their family, especially for his 9-year-old daughter.

"She still cries when she sees a TV program that reminds her of her father," said a tearful Sheila Lett, Williams' aunt."She was afraid that her mother was also going to be killed, and she continued to ask what would happen to her if her mother was killed."

Hearing Witherspoon's apology brought some solace to Charles Lett, Williams' father.

"His words melted me, and I forgive him as a Christian," he said.

The 32 years that Witherspoon was sentenced to serve is three years longer than sentencing guidelines recommended for the combined charges. Judge Toni E. Clarke also included five years of probation.

"We're thankful that at least we have this day," said Sheila Lett, reflecting on the sentence. "There are so many families that don't even have this sense of justice."

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Source: http://www.gazette.net/stories/05012010/prinnew105705_32573.php

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