Months after being released to electronic home monitoring, an accused killer is now back behind bars, accused of a new crime.
William Tolliver is already facing murder and assault charges related to a 2020 shooting in downtown Seattle that killed one woman and injured multiple others, including a child.
In February, Tolliver was allowed to be released to electronic home monitoring at his grandmother's home while he awaits trial, but he was arrested again over the weekend.
Under the terms of his release, Tolliver was not allowed to have any guns or be in contact with any witnesses or co-defendants in this case, but he’s landed back in jail accused of threatening someone with a gun.
Back in February, prosecutors argued strongly against electronic home detention, with one prosecutor saying in court, “Defendant’s criminal history includes prior convictions for possession of a firearm, despite being repeatedly ordered by the court not to possess a firearm, Mr. Tolliver decided to possess a firearm.”
According to court documents, Kirkland police allege Tolliver had a gun against court orders when he threatened a man living at his grandmother’s house earlier this month.
Court documents state two people, including Tolliver’s grandmother, saw Tolliver lift his shirt, showing “a silver and black handgun tucked in Tolliver’s waistband, and both heard Tolliver make a statement similar to, ‘This is for you.’”
Police say Tolliver also sent threatening text messages, and a search warrant of his phone revealed conversations about buying, selling, or trading firearms and a vast search history about guns.
Responding officers did not find a gun on Tolliver, and he denied having one or threatening anyone, but this latest charge has landed Tolliver back in jail, with a judge saying in court that electronic home detention is now off the table.
“Mr. Tolliver, your attorneys argued very eloquently for the opportunity you were given. It’s a big violation of a lot of things and very disappointing,” Judge Karen Donohue said.
Tolliver’s trial is set to start June 21. Five hundred potential jurors have been called for the case.