Prosecutors Say Homicide Victim Was ‘Ambushed’ Over A Pair of Shoes

By Jenna Lee - September 11, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects |

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo’s courtroom heard opening statements in a homicide trial on Sept. 10.

Darius Anderson, 23, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Israel Mattocks, 30, on June 15, 2022, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.  

“He was ambushed,” the prosecution said in their opening statements, stating that Anderson allegedly shot Mattocks outside of a “Shoe City” store after they had two other encounters during which Mattocks asked Anderson to buy shoes for him.

Photos shown to the jury depict an individual identified as Mattocks, and a person who the prosecutors claim is Anderson, interacting inside the store.

According to the prosecution, witnesses will testify that Mattocks was not aggressive towards Anderson.  

However, Wole Falodun, Anderson’s defense attorney insisted that Anderson acted in self defense after Mattocks threatened him in one of their earlier encounters. According to Falodun, Mattocks was upset that Anderson failed to buy the shoes Mattocks wanted. 

Falodun said when Mattocks walked out of Shoe City, Anderson saw him reach to his waistband, and Anderson shot him for fear that Mattocks would shoot and kill him. 

“Darius acted in self defense, which is what the law of this city allows him to do,” Falodun said. 

A deputy medical examiner that performed the autopsy on Mattocks said there were seven gunshot wounds on Mattock’s neck, arm, and chest. She said the injuries caused his death, and ruled the manner of death a homicide. 

Mattock’s mother testified about the victim’s love of shoes, stating that is why he was at Shoe City on the day that he was killed. She said whenever she gave her son money he would spend it on shoes. 

Prosecutors called on multiple officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified that Mattocks showed no signs of life when they responded to the scene, and they recovered a firearm from his groin area. 

A detective also testified that on July 11, 2022, Anderson attempted to run away from police, and when detained, a pistol was recovered. According to an officer, Anderson did not have a license to carry a gun in the District.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Sept. 11.