Murder Defendant Guilty on All Charges

By Cameron Horne - October 29, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A jury found a murder defendant guilty on all charges in a Sept. 18 trial before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Darius Anderson, 23, was found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for the fatal shooting of Israel Mattocks, 30, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, on June 15, 2022. Anderson was also found guilty of a second count of carrying a pistol without a license for the handgun police found on him at the time of his arrest on July 11, 2022, on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE.

During trial, Anderson said he agreed to purchase a pair of shoes for Mattocks in exchange for $10 but failed to follow through. After Mattocks angrily confronted him. Anderson said he purchased the shoes and walked home.

Anderson later returned with a gun.

Anderson’s attorney, Wole Falodun, argued Anderson was acting in self-defense when he shot Mattocks. Falodun said Mattocks had a firearm in his waistband and Anderson feared for his life.

The prosecution argued that Mattocks posed no threat to Anderson as he exited the store because his hands were full of shopping bags and his phone. They said Anderson planned Mattocks’ death and lay in wait for him outside the store.

Anderson’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 20.