Police Say Woman's Stolen Car Was Used in A Homicide

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Prosecutors say a woman’s stolen car was later used in a homicide, then destroyed. She testified before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan’s courtroom on Feb. 27.

Jerome Israel, 21, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and two counts of destruction of property, for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of ChaQuan Barbett, 24, on Aug. 23, 2022, on the 2300 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

The witness whose car was stolen in Southeast DC the day of the murder testified that she saw two people get into her black Dodge Charger and drive away, taking her belongings, including a firearm.

She described the suspects as slender and wore black ski masks and black hoodies.

Earlier, prosecutors called on an eyewitness who lived at the house bordering the crime scene.

The witness testified that he was watching TV at home when he heard gunshots and saw two men running away from an alley. One of the men fell to the ground, and the other one continued to shoot him while standing over the victim, according to the witness.

The witness who owned the Charger stated that the car was cited for two camera speeding violations, one on Aug. 24 and Aug. 25, and the car was found totaled on Aug. 26.

The prosecution also called on a responding officer who stated that there were fourteen cartridge casings on the scene recovered as evidence.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 3.

Police Say Woman’s Stolen Car Was Used in A Homicide