Trial continues of man accused of killing Navy sailor in West Allis

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Day three of the jury trial for a man accused in the shooting of a U.S. Navy Sailor continued with witnesses taking the stand.

The prosecution continued calling witnesses, many of which were involved in the investigation.

Derrick Williams is charged with first-degree intentional homicide. Prosecutors say Williams shot and killed 19-year-old Phoenix Castanon in West Allis back in May of 2022. According to court documents, Castanon was trying to protect a friend before he was shot during a confrontation with Williams.

We heard from detectives and forensic experts who were questioned about phone records, cell tower data, and other evidence in the case. A former employer of Williams also testified that he did not call or show up to work in the days following the shooting and that when he did return to work, he had cut his hair.

Other evidence presented included items found by investigators during search warrants. One detective testified to finding ammunition missing from a box of 50.

We also heard from an old girlfriend who has a brief relationship with Williams. She was asked questions about her time knowing him, the day police came to conduct the search warrant, and about Williams cutting his hair around the time of the shooting.

The defense was originally supposed to begin presenting witnesses Thursday but due to scheduling, the judge allowed them to call a witness out of order. They called a forensic expert who expressed concern about firearm evidence in the case. The state questioned those concerns during cross examination.

The trial continues Thursday.