Trial starts for man accused of killing ex-girlfriend with a hammer, claiming drug influence during the attack.

In a harrowing case of domestic violence, William Carey Jr., 47, stands accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend, Jessica Zipkin, 33, in his Perkiomen apartment. According to Montgomery County prosecutors, Carey is alleged to have brutally struck Zipkin over 20 times with a hammer during a domestic dispute on November 1, 2024. Following the incident, he reportedly left her body in the apartment for approximately 10 hours while attempting to hide evidence related to the crime.

Emergency responders discovered Zipkin’s lifeless body on the floor near the entryway of the apartment early the next morning after a 911 call reported a possible dead woman on the premises. The medical examiners subsequently ruled her death a homicide. Consequently, prosecutors charged Carey with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, and possession of an instrument of crime.

During the trial proceedings, Assistant District Attorney Christian Garfield Taffe recounted the gruesome details of the alleged attack in the courtroom. Taffe emphasized that jurors would learn about the series of deliberate actions Carey took to conceal his involvement, which included disposing of blood-stained clothing and attempting to purchase new shoes and a cell phone shortly after the incident.

Carey’s defense attorneys acknowledged the act of killing but argued that he was under the influence of various drugs, including methamphetamine, MDMA, and THC, at the time of the incident. They contend that the drug use impaired Carey’s ability to form the intent necessary for a first-degree murder conviction, which carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

Prosecutors depicted the violence of the attack as particularly severe, with a medical examiner stating that the force used rendered Zipkin’s brain “partially liquefied.” The case is expected to feature critical evidence, including surveillance footage from the Duck Inn Taproom, where Carey had formerly worked. This footage purportedly captures Carey entering the restaurant’s basement shortly after neighbors reported hearing screams emanating from his apartment.

Furthermore, testimony from a cleaning worker who assisted Carey may reveal that he exhibited distress and confusion while they were shopping for new shoes and a phone, indicating his state of mind following the alleged crime.

In an incident that has impacted the community deeply, both Carey and Zipkin had been in a relationship since spring, with a breakup occurring in mid-October. Family and friends remember Zipkin as compassionate and selfless, reflecting on her willingness to support others in need. The trial continues, and the proceedings are closely monitored as they unravel this tragic case of domestic violence.

Carey remains in custody at the county jail awaiting the outcome of the trial. The results of this case could have significant implications for discussions surrounding domestic violence and substance abuse awareness in the community.

This complex legal situation serves as a stark reminder of the perils that can arise in turbulent domestic relationships, raising critical questions about safety and the urgent need for support systems for individuals affected by domestic violence.