Body Cam Footage Shows How Victim’s Body Was Discovered, Officer Says

By D.C. Witness Staff - January 15, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a resumed motions hearing Jan. 15, a police officer told a DC Superior Court judge how a witness described finding the body of a victim.

Deon Crowell, 50, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing Joni Rockingham, 53, on the 300 block of 34th Street, NE on Dec. 12, 2017.

A police officer told a judge that when he arrived at the 300 block of 34 Street, NE on Dec. 12, 2017, a witness told him that he was looking for an empty trash can to use as storage for scrap metal so he could go to the junkyard.

The officer said the witness told him that he found the body when he went to search for empty trash cans that were located at an abandoned house on the block.

The witness told the officer that when he opened the trash can he saw a hand. Apparently, the statement was captured on another officer’s body camera footage.

He said the witness went home immediately and told his wife, who then called 9-1-1.

The officer said when he arrived on the scene the witness showed him where the body was while telling him how he found it.

This police officer is now one of more than 20 officers who have testified as part of the hearing that initially began on Oct. 16, 2019.

Before the proceedings began, a prosecutor said one of her key witnesses would not be able to testify this week due to personal issues.

She said she would check in with the detective to see when it would be convenient for him to testify but gave no specific time.

She also said that he would be the last person to testify and every other witness would be finished by Jan. 24.

Crowell’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, said she would like to know when the final witness is expected to testify as soon as possible. 

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson said she has carved out time to finish testimonies and the final detective’s testimony would be given on the same day as she expects parties to give their arguments.

“I will obviously give you time to formulate arguments because I think this final detective’s testimony will be a big part of both of your arguments. But, I expect to listen to the arguments on the same day as his testimony,” said Judge Dayson.

She also said that she will not have a ruling on the motions on the same day as arguments. However, she said she would rule on the motions on Feb. 10.

The motions hearing is scheduled to continue on Jan. 16.