Williston, N.D. (KEYZ) The 23-year-old suspect in Friday’s shooting outside Outlaw’s Restaurant in Williston will be charged with attempted murder, according to charging documents obtained from the Williston police department.
De Jonte Lavon Smith, is said to have intentionally engaged an attempt to kill the victim William Phillips on Friday afternoon just after 2, sparking a Shelter in Place order for the area and most schools.
Detectives says the intent was demonstrated by Smith “stashing a change of clothing, obtaining a firearm, driving to Outlaws Bar and Grill, approaching the victim, Phillips and firing at him multiple times at close range”. Phillips was found to have 13 bullet wounds in all when transported to an area hospital. Sgt Danielle Hendricks says the victim is recovering in fair condition.
Demonstrating more of Smith’s alleged intent to murder Phillip’s was officers statements that once Phillip’s was shot once he fell to pavement and Smith stood over him firing repeatedly into him, from his 9 mm handgun.
It was all meticulously planned say investigators. After emptying his gun into Phillips, Smith allegedly took off from Outlaws to the Clarion Hotel and Suites, where he disposed of an apron and earphones he was wearing, placing the gun in a garbage can near the hotel before making his way to Famous Dave’s B-B-Q where he had stashed his clean set of clothing — once changed he called a cab to get him out of the area.
