Emotional Victim of Shooting Testifies, ‘I Still Feel Pain To This Day’

By Ben Dickson [former] , Sofia Feigelson [former], Jacob Quill [former], Adrianna Bhan [former] - May 30, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

The fifty-seven-year-old victim of a shooting incident testified on May 30 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo and his alleged perpetrator. He expressed his terror and shock in recollection of the events, stating everything “happened so fast.”

Tyrone Astorias Johnson, 43, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with significant bodily injury while armed for allegedly firing multiple shots at the victim. The shooting occurred on Aug. 20, 2022 at a park on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, the victim told a detective that Johnson asked him for a cigarette, but the victim responded he did not have one. Johnson then allegedly removed a firearm from his waistband area and began firing at the victim.

At the hearing, the victim corroborated what he originally told police the day of the incident, claiming to have seen a black male, fire at him after asking him for a cigarette. Johnson was accompanied by a white female, believed to be his ex-girlfriend.

Throughout his testimony, the victim was visibly emotional when talking about the incident. The defendant did not look at the victim while he was giving his testimony.

According to the victim, he injured himself the day prior to the incident. While on a bus, a door closed on his arm, causing him to seek hospital treatment.

The victim stated that on his way home he went through the Starburst Plaza park, and noticed a man sleeping on a bench. Despite not knowing the man, the victim asked if he was okay. 

During the encounter, an individual, identified as Johnson, walked past the victim, but shortly after, turned back around to the victim and asked him for a cigarette, to which the victim declined since he did not have one.

The victim testified that the shooter then walked away from the victim, but at some point turned back around and said “You think this is a joke.”

“I was surprised,” admitted the victim.

When questioned by the prosecution about the shooter’s tone of voice, the victim could not give a concrete answer, but said he did not say anything that would elicit a hostile response.

“I was trying to help someone and then I got shot,” stated the victim. 

He testified that he watched the man shoot at him, and subsequently saw him and a woman take off towards the Pentacle Apartments, which has been displayed by surveillance footage.

Defense attorney Joseph Fay questioned the victim on his eyesight, but the victim said his eyesight was fine.

As well, Fay clarified with the victim that he saw a male fire a gun at him, in addition to confirming that he saw two individuals at the park, not including a man sleeping on the bench.

In the aftermath of the shooting, the victim told the court about the injuries he suffered and his difficult recovery process.

He had to spend a month in the hospital due to being shot in his legs and genitalia. Additionally, he received rehabilitation treatment and had to completely relearn how to walk.

“I still feel pain to this day,” stated the victim, adding that he continues medical treatment.

Prior to his testimony, a urologic surgeon who operated on the victim at MedStar Washington Hospital described the serious injuries the victim suffered to his genitalia prior to the operation. 

According to the surgeon, the victim’s urethra, which acts as a tube critical for urination, had a large hole and he performed an invasive procedure to repair the penis in its entirety.

Trial is slated to resume May 31.