A preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Dec. 11 revealed physical and surveillance evidence against a man accused of killing his former partner and abandoning her body in a local park.
Desmond Barr Jr., 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the death of Ambria Farmer, 20. Farmer’s body was found in Fort Dupont Park, on July 13, located near the 3600 block of F Street SE, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
The prosecution presented surveillance footage of a vehicle said to be Barr’s near the scene at the time of the incident where they allegedly found bullet casings in the car and blood stains.
A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified there was a history of domestic violence between Barr and the victim, as well as explicit photos of the Farmer that were uploaded on social media.
The detective testified traffic surveillance video showing the suspect vehicle stopping near Fort Dupont Park on the day of the homicide as well the car pulling away from the curb and later making a U-turn toward the park. Witnesses in the area reported hearing faint cries for help and gunshots around the same time. Several witnesses described seeing a white Kia Stinger which was like the one registered to Barr.
Forensic evidence from the vehicle, seized less than 12 hours after the homicide, included cleaning supplies, a spent shell casing, a projectile fragment embedded in the car’s interior, a live round, along with the suspected blood stains.
The defense, led by attorney Hannah Claudio, questioned the thoroughness of the investigation, noting that no evidence of the victim’s missing shoes, phone, or purse were found at Barr’s residence.
The defense also cited the defendant’s physical condition, asking if detectives confirmed he was in a wheelchair, something the officer could not verify. Additionally, the defense challenged witness recollections arguing that some details may have been inconsistent or unreliable.
The prosecution countered that Barr’s movements on the day of the incident align with the timeline of Farmer’s death.
Parties are set to reconvene Dec. 12.
