Acquitted: Federal Agent Says Surveillance Network Video Captured Homicide Scene

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Editor’s note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Brothers is still being held on homicide charges in another case.

A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent testified about a national network of surveillance cameras that prosecutors say captured a 2019 fatal shooting incident in the District. The trial testimony was presented before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on May 15.

Davonte Brothers, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 27-year-old Deron Leake, also known as “Snoop”, on Oct. 17, 2019, on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE. The incident also left one individual with non-life threatening injuries.

The witness explained the DEA has telephone pole-mounted cameras that watch neighborhoods throughout the United States where there is suspected drug-related crime.

He said the DEA had a camera facing the area where the shooting occurred, and that Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives wanted to review footage around the time of the incident.

Prosecutors played the footage in court which allegedly shows Brothers and the victim in the courtyard of an apartment complex, before what prosecutors say is Brothers fleeing the scene and jumping into a car.

According to prosecutors, Leake and three of his closest friends, who all claimed to be “blood brothers,” were hanging out on the day of the incident, before ending up at the Cascade Park Apartments and getting into an argument.

Leake and his group left the area following the dispute in an attempt to go back to their vehicle. However, prosecutors claim Brothers shot Leake in the head, killing him instantly, then shot one of his friends twice in the legs.

Prosecutors claim Brothers fled to Maryland.

Prosecutors also showcased multiple pieces of evidence recovered from the scene by MPD and the DC Department of Forensic Sciences (DCDFS), including two firearms, one of which was found in the victim’s hand, as well as numerous cartridge casings, and discarded clothing.

Parties will return for further witness testimony on May 16.