Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.
By
, Brigette Bagley - January 30, 2025
Court
|
Daily Stories
|
Homicides
|
Shooting
|
Parties gave opening statements on Jan. 29 before DC Superior Court Judge Dana Dayson in a murder that prosecutors say was a chapter in a longstanding feud between two crews from rival neighborhoods.
Aaron Murchison, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Jamontate Brown, 32, on Oct. 16, 2022, on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.
The prosecution stated that Murchison’s killed Brown as part of a rivalry, or “beef,” in that Murchison self-identifies as “DF,” a member of a crew said to commit crimes in the Wellington Park neighborhood, and that Brown was involved in the opposing Stanton Oaks crew.
According to court documents, Brown sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was found on a sidewalk lying on his back with his hands above his head. There was a handgun found on the victim.
Prosecutors say Brown came to Wellington Park to cause havoc by shooting into a lot where crew members parked their cars as part of an ongoing conflict. They argued that’s why Murchison “left the safety of the apartment” and was ready to shoot back when Brown opened fire into the neighborhood.
Kevann Gardner, Murchison’s attorney, rebutted that Brown was responsible for what happened that night – arguing that Brown decided to “commit a mass shooting” the day of the incident.
Gardner claimed that Murchison left the apartment because he was worried about his friends, family, and loved ones in the neighborhood, but didn’t have a firearm or shoot anyone.
Further, Gardner insisted there is no DNA or fingerprint evidence that ties Murchison to Brown’s death.
A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified that in her experience patrolling local neighborhoods many in the area have ongoing “beefs,” or issues, with each other, including Wellington Park and Stanton Oaks.
The trial will resume on Jan. 30.