DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park delayed a jury trial on March 3 by two days after granting the prosecution’s request for help looking for a material witness.
Nyjell Outler, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with a dangerous weapon. Outler allegedly shot and killed Demetrius Johnson, 21, on March 20, 2025, on the unit block of Madison Street, NE, at a gender reveal party.
The prosecution requested that the court grant additional time to find a witness to make their case. Defense attorneys Gemma Stevens and Thomas Key objected to the continuance, stating this case is very old, and claimed the issue should have been addressed at a trial readiness hearing in the fall.
In response, Judge Park said this was not the first time the prosecution asked for help looking for a material witness, stating: “Pushing to Wednesday is not unreasonable.”
Judge Park granted continuance and issued a bench warrant for the witness.
Judge Park later reviewed a defense motion to exclude video evidence from a Ring camera and a liquor store camera. The defense argued the footage was irrelevant, as it allegedly showed the defendant minutes after the incident, outside the crime scene, then at a local liquor store.
The prosecution contended that due to the severity of the crime, it is relevant to show for identification purposes.
Judge Park agreed with the prosecution, stating he “cannot imagine a world where they are not relevant,” and denied the defense’s motion to exclude video evidence.
Trial is slated to resume on March 5.
