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By
Ankush Dwivedi
- March 17, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Victims
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DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied the defense’s so-called motion in limine to preclude the victim’s mother from testifying at an early phase of the proceeding. .
Demonte Gibson, 27, Tre’quan Nelson, 25, and Asani Forte, 26, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property, for their alleged involvement in the murder of 34-year-old Delonte King that occurred on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW.
Gibson’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, filed the motion to preclude the next of kin, King’s Mother, from testifying in regard to the kind of person he was. Nelson and Forte’s attorneys joined Gardner in this motion. No further statements were made by either the defense or the prosecution on the matter.
After reviewing the motion, Judge Brandt concluded that the testimony of the next of kin was important to build the prosecution’s case and needed leeway.
Additionally, the prosecution mentioned that some of the defense’s witnesses were Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) members who were involved in King’s prior arrests, and wanted to exclude testimony that could impugn the victim’s character.
Judge Brandt stated she does not know how the defense will argue their case. If self-defense is an argument, the defense is allowed to present those witnesses, also stating that the prosecution will get a chance to rebut any argument made by the defense.
Jury Selection is slated to take place over the next couple of days.