A murder trial nearly four years in the making has hit a major roadblock in Charleston, leaving both the victim’s family and the accused’s defense team frustrated. The case against Willie Leo Darby, charged in the 2021 shooting death of Michael Warren, has been delayed over a courtroom dispute involving phone evidence that prosecutors say is crucial to the case.
Trial Delayed After Judge Blocks New Phone Evidence
Willie Leo Darby, 27, is facing charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime for the November 13, 2021 shooting of 29-year-old Michael Warren at the Palmetto Grove Apartments. Darby was arrested after police identified him as the prime suspect in the fatal shooting, and he was also served with unrelated warrants for first-degree assault and strong-arm robbery.
The trial was scheduled to begin this week, but came to an abrupt halt when a judge ruled that newly obtained phone evidence could not be used. The prosecution had recently conducted a second search of Darby’s phone just last month — nearly four years after the original investigation.
Why the Evidence Was Blocked
The state argued that the second phone search was necessary for two reasons:
It used updated forensic technology to uncover more detailed information.
Their original phone expert witness could no longer attend the trial in person due to surgery recovery and would have to appear virtually.
Instead of relying on the previous search data and the virtual expert, the prosecution brought in a new expert who conducted a fresh search. But the judge ruled that this was against prior courtroom agreements, where both sides had accepted the original phone data and a virtual appearance from the expert.
The judge said the prosecution’s move appeared “strategic”, and since the defense didn’t have time to properly review the new findings, it would be unfair to allow the evidence in court.
What Was in the New Evidence?
According to prosecutors, the new search revealed Bluetooth connections between Darby’s phone and a car seen on video at the crime scene. They say this is important circumstantial evidence that helps build a clearer timeline of events on the day of the murder.
But with the judge blocking this evidence, the prosecution argued that their case would be weakened — and asked for a continuance to prepare under these new conditions. The judge denied that request, siding with the defense, who pointed out that Darby has not once asked for a delay and has the right to a speedy trial.
What Happens Next?
Now, the future of the case is uncertain. The prosecution is consulting with the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office to decide their next steps. Their options may include:
Proceeding with the trial without the excluded evidence
Attempting to recharge the case later
Or, in a worst-case scenario for the prosecution, dismissing or changing the charges
For now, the trial remains in limbo.
This Charleston murder case highlights how legal technicalities and courtroom strategy can dramatically impact justice. While the state believes it has stronger evidence, it failed to follow procedural agreements — leading to a delay that has left both the victim’s loved ones and the accused waiting even longer for answers. With the trial now paused, all eyes are on the Attorney General’s decision on how to move forward.
