LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Emotions were running high in a Las Vegas courtroom Friday for the initial appearance of 46-year-old Jemarcus Williams.
The suspect accused of hitting and killing two Nevada State Police Troopers with his car on Interstate 15 made his first appearance in court on Friday.
Williams was arrested around 11 a.m. on Thursday, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. He was arrested on multiple charges, including DUI above the legal limit resulting in death.
Jamarcus Williams’ bail set at $500K.
— Jaewon Jung (@jaewonnews) December 1, 2023
State says Metro arrest report shows Williams was drinking at Palms Casino and was so intoxicated that security officers had to escort him.
State revealed Williams was also found guilty of DUI in 2007. @KTNV pic.twitter.com/cXjQ03duJE
During his initial appearance, a tearful Williams saw Hearing Master Daniel Westmeyer set bail at $500,000.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Shanon Clowers said in court that he wanted the bail to be higher, $1 million. “LVMPD’s report is very thorough and they were able to trace back the defendant’s behavior about six hours before the killings.”
State prosecutors say a Metro arrest report showed that Williams had been drinking at Palms Casino until he was so intoxicated that security officers had to escort him out. The officers also threatened to alert Metro if Williams entered his car.
Clowers revealed Williams had been drinking heavily at Palms Casino before driving his vehicle.
“He appears to be highly intoxicated. He’s dropping his phone. He’s having to hold himself up,” said Clowers. “Palms security advised him that if he got into his vehicle they would call Metro.”
According to the state, after Palms security warned him not to drive, they saw Williams walk towards a sidewalk as if he was leaving the property. But Clowers said Williams instead hid behind a tree until casino security left and surveillance footage then shows him getting into his car.
When asked about the incident, the Palms Casino told Channel 13, "Palms Casino Resort is fully cooperating with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department regarding its investigation into the tragic hit and run incident involving two Nevada Highway Patrol officers."
Prosecutors added that once Metro tracked him down, he initially told officers that he "didn't kill him" but eventually confessed, saying, "I f***** up."
The State also revealed that Williams was also found guilty of DUI in 2007, in which an officer observed an open container in his vehicle and had to "swerve off the road to avoid being hit."
While prosecutors initially asked for bail to be set at $1M, Clark County public defender Marisa Pensabene, an attorney for Williams, asked that the bail order not exceed $20,000. She added that William's family had shown up to the hearing to support him and are all located in Las Vegas.
“Mr. Williams is a lifelong resident of this jurisdiction,” said Pensabene. “He is well supported by family members.”
When approached following the hearing, his family members told Channel 13, "We just want some privacy at this time."
Williams could also be seen crying and wiping his tears during the hearing.
If Williams posts bail, he will be placed on high-level electronic monitoring. He is due in court again on Tuesday, Dec. 5.
PREVIOUS: Suspect identified in hit-and-run deaths of two Nevada State Police troopers
Authorities say the fallen troopers were helping a motorist who "appeared to be asleep behind the wheel" on I-15 at Washington Avenue when they were hit by a vehicle.
Police have identified the troopers as Sergeant Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix.
