'It's tragic' Man accused of killing longtime girlfriend in Monroeville claims self-defense in court – WPXI

PITTSBURGH – New details are emerging as murder charges are filed against the man accused of brutally killing his longtime girlfriend.

The case is now before the high court for the first time and the defendant claims that the victim attacked him with knives shortly before the fatal shots.

“This is truly a tragic incident. It's tragic. 18 and 19 years old [people] who have been together since they were 13 and 14,” said defense attorney Carmen L. Robinson.

Joselyn Thomas' family members wore T-shirts with her photo and the words “Justice for Josie” as they left court after testifying Friday afternoon.

They had to relive the day she was killed.

Her boyfriend, Albert Williams III, is charged in her death and his murder charge is now being heard at the Allegheny County Courthouse.

“This will be an emotional case. This is a very bright, intelligent young woman, and my client is a very intelligent young man. “Both families loved each other’s children as their own,” Robinson said.

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In August, investigators found Joselyn Thomas dead in a Monroeville apartment, hours after they filed a missing persons report for her.

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When she was killed, her family told Channel 11 that Williams did not want her to leave the state to attend nursing school. Then he was charged with her murder.

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“I expected today's result, it is not without a certain sadness because these are young people who would both be going to college,” Robinson said.

Testimony in court suggests Williams feels he acted in self-defense, as his team claims Joselyn tried to attack him with knives.

“Although there are allegations of this and my client has said this, this is still under investigation,” Robinson said.

The case will now go to trial, likely scheduled for next year.

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