Judge Finds Probable Cause for Murder Case

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DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause in a murder case on June 11.

Emmanuel Lewis, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Kwame Keith on the 1800 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE, on Oct. 24, 2023.

According to Metro Police Department (MPD) documents, officers responded to the report of found human remains, where an adult male’s body was located in a trash bin near the scene.

According to a report from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), a doctor ruled the cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds and the manner of death as a homicide.

During the hearing, a MPD detective was questioned about surveillance footage captured on the day of the shooting.

According to the detective, the footage depicts multiple individuals, including Lewis, interacting frequently throughout the day. These interactions included entering and exiting the building where the murder was believed to occur.

During cross examination, Russell Hariston, Lewis’ defense attorney, questioned the detective’s knowledge of Keith’s presence at the scene. Hariston argued cameras never captured Keith at the scene, only cell phone data placed him near there.

Hariston further questioned the credibility of a witness interviewed by detectives on the scene who stated that Lewis specifically told him he murdered Keith. Hariston referenced the witness’ drug use as impacting their credibility.

Hariston also argued that multiple witnesses, who had previously seen Keith and Lewis interact with each other, claimed there was never any tension or animosity between them.

The prosecution rebutted, stating that the witness who implicated Lewis correctly gave a timeline of events consistent with what the video captured, suggesting the witness is credible.

Despite Hariston’s arguments, Judge Epstein ruled for probable cause, arguing that the witness’ drug use did not compromise his credibility.

Even so, Hariston requested Judge Epstein release Lewis to live with his mom, stating he’s not a flight risk or a risk to the community.

However, the prosecution argued against the release of Lewis, citing the “nature and circumstances of the crime”.

Judge Epstein ordered Lewis remain detained pending further proceedings, deeming him a danger to the community due to his extensive criminal history.

Parties are slated to return on Jan. 31.