Attorneys Argue if Shooting Was a ‘Terrible Misunderstanding,’ or Assault with Intent to Kill

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On March 7, closing arguments were delivered in a non-fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Kamara Hoffler, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and multiple unlawful possession of a firearm charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 19, 2022, on the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, Hoffler allegedly attempted to enter an apartment that was not his own. As a result of the disturbance, a physical altercation occurred with a resident of the apartment. It escalated into a shootout, with the resident sustaining a gunshot wound to his knee. No other injuries were reported.

In their closing argument, the prosecution argued the victim’s main concern was to protect his children. “That’s what you do as a father,” the prosecution said.

The prosecution reviewed the sequence of events that occurred the day of the shooting and argued that Hoffler was not acting in self-defense, but instead had intent to kill.

“He isn’t just trying to hurt him,” said the prosecutors, in reference to Hoffler’s allegedly firing over 15 shots at the victim. “He’s trying to kill him,” said the prosecutor.

The prosecution also claimed the testimony delivered by Hoffler’s girlfriend, who was an eyewitness to the shooting and said she thought she was going to die was not credible. They argued that her relationship with Hoffler gave her “reason to present a story that is favorable to him.”

They pointed out that other witness testimony, including the victim’s, did not include threats or brandishing his firearm. The prosecution says this is supported by video surveillance footage.

“Return the only verdict that is consistent with the facts and the law,” the prosecution concluded, as they requested a guilty verdict.

Hoffler’s defense attorney, Jamison Koehler, began his closing arguments by stating, “None of this would’ve happened if not for this terrible misunderstanding.”

Koehler asked the jury to “put yourself in Hoffler’s shoes,” and said he was acting in defense of himself and his girlfriend.

Koehler argued the victim allegedly accosted them, brandished his firearm, and pushed them from the apartment building after they knocked on the wrong apartment door.

“The crime happened on those stairs, not in the parking lot,” Koehler stated. When the victim continued to pursue them outside, allegedly still making threats, Hoffler turned and fired.

“He’s furious!” Koehler exclaimed, in reference to the victim kicking a piece of trash on surveillance footage. “It’s too bad we don’t have audio,” he continued.

Koehler reminded the jury of the testimony of Hoffler’s girlfriend, who said that no one in the apartment self-identified before the victim arrived.

“No one said ‘go away.’ No one said ‘you have the wrong apartment,’” said Koehler. In referring to the other witness’ testimonies, “They minimized any evidence that Hoffler would’ve feared for his life.”

He also pointed out that, regardless of the number of shots Hoffler fired, only one struck the victim. If the two were in “close range,” as the prosecution claimed, then Hoffler could have easily aimed for a more vulnerable spot.

“They would’ve never met, but [the victim] took matters into his own hands,” Koehler said.

“Based on the evidence you’ve heard,” the defense concluded, “Hoffler respectfully asks you to find him not guilty of all charges.”

Judge Raffinan excused the jury for deliberation.