A Jefferson County man accused of capital murder has been acquitted in the 2024 death of Willie Purifoy, following a jury trial before Circuit Judge Alex Guynn on September 29.
According to court records obtained by Deltaplex News, Stephen Peterson was charged with capital murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of 45-year-old Willie Purifoy. Purifoy’s body was found inside a home at 2702 South Ash Street in Pine Bluff on March 21, 2024, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A probable cause affidavit filed by Detective Sgt. Keith Banks of the Pine Bluff Police Department stated that a witness told investigators the two men had been arguing earlier that day over a woman at Rally’s. The pair later went to the Ash Street residence, where they allegedly “did drugs together.” The witness said that after stepping outside, they heard a gunshot and then saw Peterson walk out of the house, reportedly saying he had shot Purifoy.
The witness also told police that Peterson had a firearm, though they were unable to identify the weapon type.
Court filings show Peterson pleaded not guilty to the charges earlier this year. After hearing testimony and reviewing evidence during the trial, a jury of Peterson’s peers returned a not guilty verdict on both counts. Judge Guynn subsequently signed an Order of Conditional Release, allowing Peterson to be freed from custody following the verdict.
Peterson was represented by attorney Mircha King, who successfully argued for his acquittal.
