The prosecution called multiple witnesses to testify in a homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 22.
Ranje Reynolds, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tarek Boothe on Jan. 31, 2022, on the 3200 block of M Street, NW.
The prosecution called a medical examiner who performed the autopsy of Boothe to determine the cause and manner of his death. The examiner testified that Boothe suffered a gunshot to his head and the bullet entered through his left eye and exited through the right-back area of his head.
She further said that there was stippling found on Boothe’s face which indicates that the gun was within 36 inches of him. The examiner explained that stippling is abrasions caused by unburnt gun powder and looks like red dots on the skin.
Prosecutors also called bystanders who were stopped at the traffic intersection where Boothe was shot, and called 911. They testified that they were waiting at a red light when they heard a popping sound.
They also stated that they saw someone fall to the ground and a second person briskly turn the corner onto 33rd Street. One of the witnesses said she saw the second person holding a firearm as he walked up the street.
The prosecution then called the owner of a store that is near the scene, and he testified that he provided surveillance footage from his security cameras to the police. He said they capture the front door and anything happening outside the front of the store.
The prosecution also called on a woman, who testified that she formerly had a sexual relationship with Reynolds, also known as “Jay”. She said that she would drive him to work and book hotel rooms for the two of them but that he would always pay her back. The witness testified that she had booked a trip to Miami, Florida with him but he asked her to cancel the trip at the end of January.
The prosecution walked the witness through screenshots of text messages between her and Reynolds. These messages were about his hand, which was injured, and the cancellation of their trip to Miami. Shortly after the cancellation, the messages turned green which, according to the witness, indicates that Reynolds either got a new phone or blocked her. She said that she drove him to work on Jan. 31 but didn’t receive any further communication from him after.
Parties are expected to reconvene on April 23.
