A homicide defendant was found guilty of murder by a jury on April 22 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.
Bernard Eddy, 25, was charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or place of business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the shooting of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite on Sept. 10, 2019, on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE.
The jury convicted Eddy of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or place of business.
Throughout the trial, prosecutors stated that Eddy approached Brathwaite while walking alone to a friend’s house in the neighborhood.
Evidence presented by the prosecution included a 15-second cell phone video showing Eddy celebrating the murder hours after the shooting, which was recovered eight days after the incident. Prosecutors suggested a possible revenge motive for the killing in that Brathwaite may have been involved in the murder of Eddy’s friend.
The jury returned the guilty verdict after deliberating one day.
Parties are slated to reconvene on June 20 for sentencing.
