A Battle Ground man is facing a charge of first-degree murder after authorities say he fatally stabbed his adoptive father and seriously injured his adoptive mother during an attack at a residence north of Battle Ground on June 5.
According to a probable cause statement filed in Clark County Superior Court, 911 dispatchers received a call at approximately 1:28 p.m. from Brenda Williams, who reported that her adult son, Steven Robert Williams, had stabbed her husband, Allen Williams, at the family's residence in the 11700 block of Northeast 244th Street.
Court documents state that during the 911 call, Brenda Williams could be heard screaming and reported that Steven Williams was coming after her.
Two motorists passing by reportedly witnessed Steven Williams assaulting Brenda Williams outside the residence. One witness told investigators that Williams was "headstomping" Brenda while armed with a knife. The witnesses intervened, causing Williams to retreat back into the home, according to court documents.
Deputies with the Clark County Sheriff's Office and officers with the Battle Ground Police Department responded to the scene and arrested Williams as he exited the residence.
Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures on Allen Williams, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Brenda Williams was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries, including a brain bleed, a laceration to her hand and a broken orbital bone, according to court records.
Investigators wrote that Brenda Williams told detectives her son, Steven Williams, suffers from schizoaffective disorder and described the attack as an ambush.
In a post-Miranda interview with detectives, Steven Williams allegedly admitted to carrying out the attack.
According to court documents, Williams said he became upset after an argument involving putting away groceries and claimed years of verbal and physical abuse caused him to "snap."
Investigators said Williams told them he took a serrated kitchen knife from a knife block and concealed it before attacking Allen Williams inside the residence. Williams allegedly stated he waited until Allen Williams exited a bathroom before stabbing him in the back. He reportedly told detectives that he intended to stab Allen Williams in the heart and continued stabbing him when the initial wound was not fatal.
Court records state that Williams told detectives the knife broke during the attack, prompting him to retrieve a second knife from the kitchen and continue stabbing Allen Williams.
After Brenda Williams fled the home to call 911, Steven Williams allegedly followed her outside and stabbed her as well. Court documents state he told detectives he kicked her while attempting to kill her before the intervention of the two passing motorists.
Investigators wrote that when Williams returned to the residence, he stabbed Allen Williams additional times. According to court documents, Williams told detectives he said "I love you" to Allen Williams three times in an effort to make his death more "comfortable."
When questioned about prior abuse, Williams reportedly told detectives that Allen Williams had physically assaulted him on three occasions, the most recent occurring about 11 years ago. He reportedly stated that Brenda Williams had never physically assaulted him.
Williams was booked into the Clark County Jail with charges of first-degree murder-domestic violence in the death of Allen Williams and attempted murder for the attack on Brenda Williams.
Investigators further alleged that Williams acted with premeditated intent, citing statements that he concealed the weapon and planned to ambush both victims when they were not paying attention.
Williams remains in custody following his arrest as the case proceeds through Clark County Superior Court. He was denied bail and was set to make his next court appearance on Tuesday, June 23, after press time.
