Jury Selected for Perkiomen Township Murder Trial of William Carey Jr.
BREAKING: A jury has been officially seated in the trial of William Roy Carey Jr., a 47-year-old man from Perkiomen Township, who faces serious charges in connection with the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Jessica Zipkin, aged 34. The trial commenced this afternoon in Montgomery County Court, following the empaneling of twelve jurors and two alternates.
The court proceedings are centered around a tragic incident that occurred during a domestic disturbance on November 1, 2024. Carey is accused of using a hammer to fatally strike Zipkin multiple times in the head inside his apartment on Gravel Pike. The violence escalated after a heated argument, according to reports from law enforcement.
Deputy District Attorney Kelly S. Lloyd and co-prosecutor Christian Garfield Taffe are advocating for a first-degree murder conviction, asserting that Carey acted with premeditated intent to kill. If convicted of first-degree murder, he faces a mandatory life sentence without parole.
In a significant turn, Carey’s legal team is mounting a defense based on voluntary intoxication, claiming he was under the influence of controlled substances at the time of the incident. This defense aims to challenge the prosecution’s assertion of specific intent, potentially reducing the charge to third-degree murder, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 to 40 years in prison.
The trial is expected to unfold over several days, with opening statements anticipated later today. Judge Wendy G. Rothstein is presiding over the case, emphasizing the gravity of the charges against Carey. He remains incarcerated without bail while he awaits trial.
The investigation into Zipkin’s death began in the early hours of November 2, when police responded to a 911 call reporting a possible deceased female. Upon arrival, they discovered Zipkin face down on the bedroom floor, exhibiting signs of blunt force trauma. A bloody hammer was found nearby, further implicating Carey in the violent attack.
An autopsy confirmed that Zipkin died from blunt force trauma, ruling her death a homicide. Evidence collected from the scene included blood-stained clothing worn by Carey, alongside video footage showing him discarding items related to the murder.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud argument and a woman screaming at approximately 2:30 PM on November 1, adding a chilling context to the events leading to this tragic incident. This case not only involves the alleged brutal murder but also links to previous criminal activity, as Carey’s brother, Kyle Carey, is currently incarcerated for sexual assault charges involving a minor.
Stay tuned for updates as this trial continues to unfold and the evidence is revealed in the coming days. The implications of this trial extend beyond the courtroom, touching on issues of domestic violence and the tragic outcomes that can arise from such circumstances.
