Killer’s release delayed by judge

SAN JOSE >> A man convicted in the notorious killing of a high school classmate over a decade ago remains on track to be freed but will have to wait at least another month after a judge delayed his release Nov. 23.

In issuing a four-week stay on the release of 27-year-old Jae Williams, Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Maureen Folan, the district attorney’s office and probation department are waiting on a longshot appellate court petition that would give the county jurisdiction over Williams. Authorities plan to put him in a juvenile-oriented rehabilitation program to transition him back into the community.

Williams’ longtime attorney, Lewis Romero, objected to Folan’s decision and contended that his client’s Eighth Amendment rights were being violated. Williams’ case, which had been on appeal following his 2014 conviction, was transferred to juvenile court three years ago after a landmark change in state law. He has exhausted juvenile custody supervision, which typically ends once a person turns 25.

“We can’t divorce ourselves from basic principles of law,” Romero argued in court Nov. 23. “Jae needs to be released today.”

The Williams case was one of a select few that have served as legal battlegrounds for SB 1391, a 2018 law that barred minors under the age of 16 from being prosecuted as adults. Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen and other California county prosecutors argued that the law was unconstitutional, but the state Supreme Court settled the issue earlier this year with a unanimous decision affirming the law’s validity.

After Folan’s ruling Nov. 23, Rosen echoed a refrain he has given for the past three years, arguing that Williams is part of a group of “exceptional” youth offenders who pose a stark public safety risk if they were to be released early.

“This was a sadistic and awful, awful murder,” Rosen said after Tuesday’s hearing.

Williams and Randy Thompson were convicted of slaying Michael Russell in his family’s backyard in South San Jose in what was dubbed as a Satanist-inspired “thrill kill” or the “Devil Boys” murder. Williams was 15 when the killing occurred; he was initially sentenced to 26 years to life in San Quentin State Prison before his case was transferred. Thompson is continuing to serve his full prison sentence and was not affected by SB 1391 because he was 16 when the crime happened.

Rosen said the proposal to have Williams put in a rehabilitation and counseling program under the umbrella of the county’s juvenile probation division is a “second-best option” to keeping him in prison, a pathway that was eliminated when the case was transferred to juvenile court.

“If he’s going to be released,” Rosen said, “at least go through the process of reentry and rehabilitation.”

Romero said the notion of putting the now-27year-old Williams through programs not meant for an adult would be a needless delay and pointed to years of his client undergoing counseling and receiving education — including earning his high school diploma — as he awaited trial following Russell’s 2009 killing.

“There’s no more information to garner,” Romero said.

Deputy County Counsel Mona Williams, representing the county’s juvenile probation division, said in court that the county has no existing jurisdiction to assume custody and supervision of Jae Williams for the proposed rehabilitation program. Judge Folan’s earlier attempt to send Williams to the Department of Juvenile Justice for rehabilitation was denied by that agency, which is slated to shutter in the next two years.

Mona Williams said the current county proposal would be illegal pending legislative action, and Romero said an appellate court petition on behalf of the county will almost certainly be denied.

Near the end of the hearing, Romero got into a heated back-and-forth with the judge, arguing that Folan’s assessment of the county juvenile rehabilitation proposed for Jae Williams was based “on hearsay” and demanding that the judge recuse herself from the case. Folan denied that request.

Afterward, Romero reiterated that the judge’s stay order was “a waste of money” and that “nothing’s going to change” between now and Dec. 28, when they return to court.

For Russell’s family, the fight for closure remains elusive. Cathy Russell, Michael’s aunt, said the revisiting of Jae Williams’ sentencing since 2018 has kept a deep wound open.

“We’re moving backwards. It’s just unbelievable,” she said. “We’ve been living this for 12 years, over and over.”

Garden of D’lights 2021: 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. through Dec. 23, Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Wander through 3.5 acres of mature cacti, succulents and trees that are transformed into magical and colorful botanical sculptures by thousands of lights. $8-$24. ruthbancroftgarden.org

Holiday Collection for Artful Giving: Now through Dec. 31, Valley Art Gallery, 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110, Walnut Creek. The

56th annual holiday market includes ceramic, wood and glass pieces, original designer jewelry, holiday decorations and small paintings. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 7-10. valleyartgallery.org

San Jose Stage Company — Great Expectations: Now through Dec. 12, 490 S. First St., San Jose. Desire becomes destiny in Neil Bartlett’s powerful adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale filled with intrigue and unexpected twists. $32-$72. Thestage. org

The Christmas Ballet: Now through Dec. 26, Walnut Creek, Mountain View, Carmel, and San Francisco. This joyful program features classical ballet and festive contemporary numbers set to holiday tunes and incorporating ballet, tap, jazz and swing. $25-$99. Find details at smuinballet.org.

Up on the Rooftop with Archer: Noon to 10 p.m. now through Jan. 9, Archer Hotel Napa, Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar, 1260 First St., Napa. Reserve a cozy rooftop igloo for up to four guests and enjoy sparkling decor, holiday-themed cocktails, seasonal small plates and sweets and holiday photo ops. skyandvine.com

Christmas in the Park: Enjoy a walk-through holiday festival in downtown San Jose with more than 500 decorated Christmas trees, animated displays and an inflatable beer and wine garden along with nightly entertainment now through Jan 3. In addition, Blinky’s Illuminated Holiday is a mile-long drive-through at San Jose’s Lake Cunningham Park, with 12 themed areas, 100,000 synchronized lights and a custom holiday soundtrack. christmasinthepark.com/

Great America Winterfest: Now through Jan. 1, 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara. Enjoy more than 60 rides and holiday attractions, send letters to the North Pole, check out Santa’s workshop, bake cookies in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen and go ice skating. Tickets start at $30. cagreatamerica.com/ events/winterfest

Magical Christmas Train: Now through Dec. 22,

18095 County Road 117, West Sacramento. The family-friendly experience includes a one-hour train ride, hot cocoa, a sweet treat and a visit from Santa. Santa’s elves will be on board the train to guide passengers in holiday sing-a-longs, elfish games and festive activities. Dress in cozy pajamas. $10 to $55. River Fox Train: bit.ly/3netvew

Nights of Lights: 6to8 p.m. today, Dec. 10, 17,

Half Moon Bay. today, Main Street parade followed by a visit from Santa; Dec. 10, holiday market; Dec. 17, holiday caroling and live music. visithalfmoonbay.org/local/ night-lights

Holidays in Wine Country: Now through Dec. 30. Healdsburg offers seasonal events centered around food, wine and time-honored traditions. Enjoy festive décor and holiday lights in Healdsburg Plaza, holiday wine country walking tours, breakfast with Santa and more. cm.healdsburg.com/ events

Virtual Holiday Gift Faire: Now through Sunday. Find unique and artsy gifts for friends and family and enjoy a special appearance by

Vicki Lawrence. This fundraiser helps a fun Bay Area female and minority-led feature film for the whole family to cross the finish line. $45-$250. funnyfailurefilm.com

Fairmont San Francisco’s Holiday Festivities: Giant Gingerbread House: Through the holiday season. Check out the giant, two-story gingerbread house adorned in hundreds of pounds of See’s candies in the hotel’s grand lobby. Holiday Tea at 1 and 3:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, now through Jan. 2 (tea not available today, Dec. 24-25). 950 Mason St., San Francisco. $89 to $149. fairmont-san-francisco. com/holidays

Holiday Radio play — A Red Carol: Streaming now through Jan 9. San Francisco Mime Troupe presents a new activist adaptation of the Dickens classic as a radio play. Free (suggested $20 donation). sfmt.org

It’s a Wonderful Life — A Live Radio Play: Through Dec. 26, Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. America’s favorite holiday classic is on tonight at a snowbound 1940s radio station, with every memorable character, wacky sound effects and heartwarming conclusion of the iconic film recreated live before your ears and eyes. $25-$60. theatreworks.org/

The Magic Lamp Panto: Through Dec. 31, Presidio Theatre, 99 Moraga Ave., Presidio of San Francisco. A holiday parody updates the story of Aladdin with humor, music, dance and magic. $10-$75. presidiotheatre. org/

An Irish Christmas — A Bit of Ireland for the Holidays!: 8 p.m. today, Uptown Theatre Napa, 1350 Third St., Napa. Experience an

Irish Christmas with dancing, singing and traditional Irish music celebrating the international spirit of the holiday season. Ticketmaster:

bit.ly/3d8214p

Transcendence Theatre Company — Broadway Holiday Spectacular:

Through Dec. 12, Belos Cavalos, 687 Campagna Lane, Kenwood. Head for the big top tent for performances of beloved holiday classics, revamped holiday favorites and new songs. $49-$149. bestnightever. org

The Christmas Story and Holiday Favorites from

Our First Half-century:

The California Bach Society performs Heinrich Schütz’ “Christmas Story,” as well as favorites from their popular “Christmas Around the World” concerts. 8 p.m. today, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1111 O’farrell, San Francisco; 8 p.m. Saturday, All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 555 Waverley, Palo Alto; 4 p.m. Sunday, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft, Berkeley. $35. calbach.org/

Harpist Anna Maria Mendieta: 7 p.m. Saturday, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Ave., Walnut Creek. Mendieta presents sacred and classical pieces in a holiday celebration. Donations $10 to $20. stpaulswc.org/concertseries

Lift Every Voice and Sing:

4 p.m. Saturday, Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Ave., Walnut Creek. The concert will feature Cantare Con Vivo’s adult chorale and Nova youth choir, accompanied by brass quintet, organ, flute, piano, bass and percussion. $10 to $35. cantareconvivo. org

Hotel Healdsburg’s Annual Holiday Tea: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 19, 317 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. Guests will enjoy winter wonderland décor while sipping sparkling wine, hot chocolate or holiday-themed cocktails. The menu will also include baked goods and savory bites. $25-$69.

Dry Creek Kitchen: bit. ly/3ovmlzk

Santa at the Historic Scout Cabin: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-sunday,

3502 School St., Lafayette. Lafayette Juniors and Scout Troop 204 will host a wreath and poinsettia sale. Scouts will be on hand to provide masked tours of the cabin interior and to help Santa hand out treats from his vintage “sleigh”. Wreaths, $30. Poinsettias, $25. Pre-sale is available at Troop204.com and Lafayettejuniors.org.

Holiday Magic on Main Street: Saturday- Dec.

19, North Main Street between Weller Lane and Carlo Street, Milpitas. Enjoy holiday decorations, live performances, free outdoor movies and Santa visits. Nominal charge for skating and some activities. Food and gifts will be available for purchase. Theme nights include an ugly sweater party, Santa paws night and mistletoe magic. ci.milpitas. ca.gov/holidaymagic

Annual BAYLUG Holiday Show : 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Saturday through Jan. 9, Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto. Enjoy displays of custom creations, including holiday trains, miniature cities and more. $4. baylug. org/holiday-show

Alameda Artworks Holiday Art Event: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 1068 The Alameda, San Jose. Some 23 artists will welcome you into their private studios to view the creative process. facebook.com/thealamedaartworks

History Park Children’s Heritage Holiday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, History Park, 635 Phelan Ave., San Jose. Santa Claus arrives at noon, riding through the park on the historic trolley. New Ballet San José will perform with costumed characters from the Nutcracker. Other activities include holiday crafts, lawn games and special holiday treats at O’brien’s Ice Cream and Candy Shop. $5-$10. historysanjose.org/ programs-events

Performing Arts Academy of Marin — A Scarf in Union Square: 7 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 3301 Lyon St., San Francisco.

This holiday spectacular features classic melodies, dynamic choreography and a heartwarming story. $30$50. palaceoffinearts.org/

Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets: Saturday-dec. 19, Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco. This 50-minute version of “The Nutcracker” was designed for families with young children. $22.50-$44.50. mfdpsf.org/nutcrackersweets

Drive Thru Dickens’ London: 11 a..m.-5 p.m. Saturday-dec. 19, Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City. Enjoy a taste of The Great Dickens Christmas Fair from the comfort of your car, from the fair’s famous foods and handcrafted gifts to multiple tableaux from Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and two stages of continuous live music, dance and comedy. $25. dickensfair.com

Holiday Concert: 1 p.m. Saturday, San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. Bell Appeal will perform a variety of holiday tunes. After the concert, meet the ringers and learn to ring a handbell. Free. historysmc. org

Winter Open Studios:

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdaysunday, ICB Building, 480 Gate Five Road, Sausalito. Browse the work of more than 100 Bay Area artists, including painters, sculptors, photographers, filmmakers, fiber artists, printmakers, animators and jewelers. Free. Eventbrite: bit.ly/2ybwvp6