Judge Tells Prosecution: Release Witness Names to Defense in Murder Case

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DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled that the prosecution in a murder case release the names of witnesses to the defense team before the trial in an Aug. 2 hearing.

Terrance Prue, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Bruce Gilmore, 39. The shooting occurred on the 3500 block of 22nd Street, SE, on June 5, 2019. Another individual suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

At the hearing, James King, Prue’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Raffinan that the prosecution had not released the names of three witnesses to the defense team.

According to King, documents from the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) interviews with the witnesses indicating they spoke to Gilmore before his death, and he told them that if he died Prue’s co-defendant Miguel Gibson, 21, would be the one responsible.

King argued that the prosecution has waited long enough to release the names, and that he needs an opportunity to do additional investigation.

“We’re now at trial readiness,” King said. “These names should be disclosed immediately.”

The prosecution argued that releasing the names could put the witnesses in danger as they come from a small community and could face retaliation. They want to release the names on Aug. 21 instead, closer to the trial date, which is scheduled for Sept. 4.

After Judge Raffinan’s inquiry, the prosecution said no direct threats have been made thus far.

In light of the start date of the trial, Judge Raffinan ordered that the prosecution release the names of the witnesses by Aug 5. She also ordered that the names not be revealed to Prue by King to alleviate concerns for the witnesses’ safety.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 21.