Jury Acquits Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant

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On Jan. 24, following a multi-day trial, a jury acquitted an individual accused of a non-fatal shooting in DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz’ courtroom. 

Charles Whitney, 24, was charged with carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, unlawful discharge of a firearm, endangerment with a firearm, and destruction of property, among other charges, for his involvement  in a non-fatal shooting incident on the 1500 block of Birney Place, SE, which occurred on Oct. 10, 2023. 

Prosecutors argued that Whitney was the shooter in an incident that left an apartment damaged, and attempted to prove his guilt by providing surveillance footage and witness testimony. Throughout the trial, they requested the jury find Whitney guilty of all charges. 

Throughout the trial, Quiana Harris, Whitney’s defense attorney, argued he had acted in self-defense, stating that he was protecting himself and two other bystanders from a drive-by shooting. 

Following a day-long deliberation, the jury acquitted Whitney of all charges. 

There are no further dates set in this matter.