Brick Woman Claims Fatal Stabbing Was Self Defense

Ciara Williams (Photo courtesy Ocean County Jail)

  BRICK — The woman charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of her fiancé will plead not guilty, claiming that she acted in self-defense, according to her attorney.

  Ciara Williams, 27, turned herself into authorities on Monday, Sept. 30, accompanied by her attorneys Alton D. Kenney and Terrance Turnbach. According to Kenney, Williams will be pleading not guilty by reason of self-defense for her role in the stabbing incident.

  Williams is accused of stabbing her fiancé, 35-year old Dennis Powers, in the chest during an argument in their Brick Gardens apartment on Sunday, Sept. 29. According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Brick Township Police Chief James Riccio, Williams then drove Powers to Ocean Medical Center and returned home. Powers was found unconscious but breathing by hospital staff who attempted to save his life, but he ultimately did not survive.

  After an extensive search, Williams turned herself in and was charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon, Billhimer said.

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  She is being held in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

  Her attorney, Kenney, told Jersey Shore Online on the phone Wednesday morning that “it is evident” that Williams “was attacked and beaten by Mr. Powers,” as you can see from the photo taken by police.”

  The photo shows Williams’ face, badly bruised with a black eye.

  Kenney noted that Powers beat Williams with a broom and she sustained other injuries that are not seen in the photo.

  There is also “a prior history of domestic violence complaints against Mr. Powers,” said Kenney.