‘Thank God for Justice,’ Says Victim’s Sister After Murder Conviction

By Hunter Krienke [former] , Rosie Rohrer [former] - June 26, 2023
Daily Stories | Featured | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

On June 23, a jury convicted Isaac Moye of murder and family members expressed relief at the verdict.

Moye, 45, was convicted  of second-degree murder for his involvement in the disappearance and death of Unique Harris, 24. Harris, who was last seen near the 2400 block of Hartford Street, SE, was declared missing on Oct. 10, 2010. Moye was charged in connection to the case on Dec. 21, 2020.

Outside the courthouse, Harris’ sister told D.C. Witness she was grateful for the verdict, saying, “Thank God for justice.”

While Harris’ body was never recovered, an investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) led to Moye’s becoming the primary suspect.

“[There is] a missing girl in DC, only she’s not missing, she’s gone,” prosecutors stated in their opening arguments.

As the trial progressed, prosecutors presented evidence that placed Moye at Harris’ apartment the night she disappeared. Using data collected from Moye’s electronic monitoring device, which an expert witness examined, prosecutors argued Moye’s GPS location linked him to Harris’s murder.

Additional evidence including DNA samples recovered from a couch cushion in Harris’ apartment, showed that Moye had previous sexual encounters with Harris even though he denied having sex with her in interviews with investigators.

Defense attorneys for Moye refuted prosecution claims about Harris’ disappearance stating the “investigation of this case was doomed from the very start.” 

The defense noted MPD’s not acting quickly to collect evidence and follow up on potential leads. Moye’s lawyers also said other suspects were overlooked and should have been interviewed for their possible connection to the crime.

In closing statements, defense attorney Jason Tulley told the jury that Moye was “accused of something he did not do.”

Prosecutors urged the jury to “bring her home”, evoking an emotional response from Harris’ family members in the courtroom. As the jury read the verdict, members of Harris’ family cried out with relief. 

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein then questioned the jurors in turn if they agreed with the verdict. Each gave a confident affirmative.  As the jury left the room, Harris’ family members embraced the prosecuting attorneys.

“We are strong believers in God. Today was Him showing his power,” Harris’ sister said in a follow-up email. “In my opinion a just punishment would be the death penalty! My sister had to pay with her life. I feel as though he should too.”

Harris’ sister also gave a strong warning to women in general stating “As women I encourage us to get protection for our households and protect ourselves and children because in this case initially the police department failed my sister.”

Yet, she expressed faith in the justice system, saying, “I believe [the verdict] gave all of us hope.”

Meanwhile, defense attorneys filed a motion for a mistrial based on the prosecution’s handling of the case.

Parties are expected to argue on the mistrial motion on as well as pick a sentencing date on July 7.