CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — A Charles County judge ruled Thursday morning that a 49-year-old man charged with shooting and killing his 15-year-old stepson will remain in custody without bond.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office said Darshan Williams shot and killed his stepson, Michael Clemons, after an argument over raking leaves. The judge ruled Williams is a danger to the community and potentially to himself.
Charging documents revealed Williams and his wife had been arguing earlier that evening about Clemons’ behavior on their way home from dinner. The boy’s mother left the house to avoid further conflict, but minutes later, Williams called her and said, “Your son is dead," according to the court documents.
The mother rushed home and called 911.
When officers arrived, they found Clemons on the kitchen floor with a gunshot wound to his upper body.
Investigators said Clemons would have turned 16 next week. Security cameras in the home may have captured the shooting, and detectives are reviewing the footage. In court, prosecutors disputed claims of self-defense.
Authorities also recovered multiple guns from the home.
Williams faces charges of second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and other related offenses.
More than a dozen of Williams’ friends and family, including his mother, were in court Thursday. The teen’s family was not present.
Williams is expected back in court on Dec. 17 for his preliminary hearing.
Anyone who may have additional information as the investigation continues should contact Detective Burgess at 301-609-6494, or Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.
