Murder Defendant Testifies He Acted in Self-Defense in Drug Dispute

By Elizabeth Brady - October 9, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Data | Homicides | Shooting | Victims |

On Oct. 8, a homicide defendant told a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom that he acted in self-defense in a drug-fueled incident.

Dennis Chase, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Anthony Orr. The incident occurred on Dec. 7, 2020, on the 400 block of Xenia Street, SE. 

At the hearing, Chase testified he and Orr were partners in the distribution of cocaine and crack. According to Chase, complications began with a disagreement about Orr’s stealing stealing drugs to sell.

After Orr allegedly stole a kilogram of cocaine and a gun, he became paranoid, as a bounty was allegedly placed on his head. 

Chase testified that Orr believed Chase was in contact with the individual who placed the bounty and would attempt to kill him. Testimony from the girlfriend of the victim explained that Orr made the connection because Chase mysteriously gained possession of more drugs to sell.

During the homicide, Chase said, the two were selling drugs around the neighborhood. The defendant alleges that at an intersection, Orr pulled out a gun and threatened to shoot as he demanded the remainder of Chase’s drugs. 

Chase testified he felt threatened and attempted to grab the gun from Orr, which discharged and accidentally shot and killed Orr. 

In a panic, Chase said, he pushed Orr out of the car and drove away. 

The prosecution claims the defendant changed his story from from when he was in jail up until now. 

“Wish I could tell the police what happened,” the defendant said, indicating that he didn’t trust the police would believe his self-defense claims. 

“Did you kill Anthony Orr in self-defense,” Megan Allburn, Chase’s attorney, asked him. He said, “Yes!”

His girlfriend described Orr as being very paranoid in the days leading up to his death, including staying up all night due to a vehicle’s following him to their house, which he assumed was Chase. 

“I need to kill Dick before Dick kills me,” the girlfriend quoted Orr as saying. According to the girlfriend, Chase’s nickname is Dick. 

Chase, an investigating detective, and Orr’s girlfriend indicated that the defendant and victim were under some heavy drug use, including cocaine, Molly( MDMA), and marijuana.

Another witness, a woman who gave Chase and Orr shelter in alleged exchange for drugs, mentioned an event with Orr that left her terrified.

She testified that Orr took her hostage in her own home with a firearm. She alleged that he was talking to himself and seeing people that were not there. She claimed she was scared for her life, stating he took her phone when she tried to call the police.

“I was really bad on drugs at the time,” the woman testified, adding that she has a history of mental and physical ailments. 

The parties will reconvene on Oct. 9.