The defense filed a motion to suppress evidence found by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in a shooting homicide. The argument was presented in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 11.
Robert Carpenter, 36, is charged with voluntary manslaughter while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 42-year-old Tremaine Nicholson. The incident occurred on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE, on May 7, 2024.
Carpenter’s lawyers, Christen Philips and David Knight, argued that the evidence police found in his truck shouldn’t be admitted in trial because the police searched it without a legal warrant.
The prosecution challenged the motion, bringing in a detective who worked on the case to testify that a team of officers searched Carpenter’s car and questioned him legally.
The witness stated that officers only searched the truck after their police dog signaled that there was a gun inside. The detective also stated that Carpenter was free to leave, but he didn’t try to drive away or tell the officers to stop.
Judge Park has yet to rule on the motion.
Parties are slated to reconvene on April 22.
