Man charged in 7-year-old's murder remains in jail without bond

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - A 22-year-old man charged with murder in the drive-by shooting that killed 7-year-old Kirsten Williams two weeks ago remains in jail with no bond.

Friday morning, Carlos Stokes, the brother of Cateria Stokes, appeared before a Shelby County judge for his arraignment hearing.

Carlos Stokes was arrested Thursday morning, and charged with first-degree murder in 7-year-old Kirsten Williams' death. Witnesses told police he planned the shooting and also pulled the trigger.

"She was a special, a special little girl," said Williams' great aunt, Debbie Davis.

Carlos Stokes lived at the same house where his sister was shot earlier the same day.

Three other men were charged last week in Williams' death. Police say they are all known gang members.

"Just knowing that someone would retaliate in such a way, it should be heart breaking for this whole city," said Davis.

Investigators say it's not clear if the 7-year-old girl was the intended target, but Friday, Kirsten's great-aunt told WMC Action News 5's Jerry Askin that Williams was not the intended target.

"These guys did not know who Kirsten was and I think they assumed because she walking in front of that house, that she was a member of that household," Davis reasoned.

Court papers say Carlos Stokes is denying having any knowledge of what happened.

But according to court records, the Stokes family is known to police. Carlos Stokes has been arrested before on drug charges, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, disorderly conduct, and other charges. Some of which have been dismissed.

"We definitely don't need people like that to be out on the streets," said Davis.

Stokes' mother has also been arrested several times. She has been charged with theft over $10,000, aggravated robbery, and allowing dogs to run at large, among other charges.

No one has been arrested for the murder of Cateria Stokes.

If you know anything that might help police with the investigation, call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH (2274), text 'AWARD' to 274637 or visit www.528cash.org.

Attorney Michael Working was appointed to represent Carl Johnson, one of the four suspects in the Kirsten Williams' murder. He sent WMC Action News 5 the following statement:

"Many years ago, an almost identical crime outraged our city, and Judge Skahan was asked to be the defense attorney in the case. Knowing what he went through, I am honored that he has confidence in my ability to carry such a heavy burden for my client, for our city, and for our justice system. As a loving father to a seven-year-old child, I am devastated for all families involved on both sides of this case. I will work to ensure that everyone involved has a fair day in court. The time for judgment may be years away, and until that time, my client is presumed innocent."

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