After hearing arguments and evidence in the case against a man accused of shooting his roommate, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson, who was standing in for Judge Todd Edelman, found probable cause to move forward with the case and detain the defendant pre-trial on June 6.
Ke’Shaun Farmer, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting and paralyzing his friend after an altercation in their apartment on the 3700 block of Jamison Street, NE, on Feb. 18, 2025.
Defense attorney Bernadette Armand called an investigator who works for her to the witness stand, who testified to speaking with another investigator who interviewed the victim in the hospital after the incident. He said he was told the victim was lucid, playing a video game, and in a good mood during the interview.
According to the witness, the victim told the other investigator that the shooting occurred after Farmer and the victim got in an argument over an accusation by Farmer’s girlfriend that the victim stole marijuana from Farmer.
After an alleged “tussle,” the witness said, Farmer walked a few feet to the couch and produced a handgun.
“You’re not doing anything with that,” the victim reported saying to Farmer, before Farmer allegedly shot him.
Farmer and his girlfriend then allegedly fled the scene, the witness said he was told by the other investigator.
Armand argued Farmer acted in self-defense and cited the victim’s 2024 guilty plea to second-degree assault in Maryland. Armand showed the witness the statement of facts from that conviction, which said the victim had been drinking before the assault.
During cross-examination, the prosecutor questioned the witness’ connection to the other investigator and knowledge of his interviewing practices. The witness testified that he previously had a phone conversation with the other investigator for networking but did not know much else about how he operated.
The prosecutor noted that neither the witness nor the court had a signed or verified copy of the victim’s statement to the other investigator. The witness’ testimony was based only on his conversation with the other investigator.
The prosecutor confirmed with the witness that he did not know certain details, such as how far the couch was from the men at the time of the argument, or whether or not the victim lunged at the defendant prior to being shot.
The prosecutor also asked the witness if he knew whether or not the victim was on any medication that could alter his state of mind during the interview, to which the witness responded that he did not know for certain. He reiterated that the other investigator told him the victim seemed lucid at the time.
The prosecution argued that there was no basis for a claim of self-defense. He said Farmer showed intent to kill by walking to get the gun and shooting the victim in the chest.
“There are clear gaps you could drive a truck through in a case that is very important,” the prosecutor said. He characterized the shooting as an “unfortunate byproduct” of poor decision-making by Farmer.
Armand rebutted these claims by showing video from Farmer’s police interview. While on camera, Farmer had a nine-minute phone call with the victim, who said he would support Farmer despite the shooting. Other video footage from the interview room showed Farmer cooperating with police to locate the gun.
Armand argued that Farmer felt remorse afterward for having used force against his friend, but at the time of the shooting, the victim was angry and Farmer felt threatened.
The prosecutor introduced into evidence several photos of Farmer with firearms, including the one allegedly used in the shooting. Some of the photos depicted handguns with extended magazines, which are illegal in the District of Columbia.
The prosecutor argued that Farmer’s possession of illegal firearms and his casual way of handling them in the photos contradicted his previous statements that he owned those guns for protection.
Armand argued that the photos in question were taken from a music video and the guns were props.
Judge Dayson ruled that the prosecution presented clear and convincing evidence that Farmer had intent to kill when he shot the victim. She based her ruling on the placement of the shot and the lack of evidence for a theory of self-defense.
Armand requested Farmer be released to home confinement, citing his compliance with orders to appear in court.
Judge Dayson denied the request, saying the prosecution’s evidence showed Farmer would be a danger to the community if released.
Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 22 in front of Judge Edelman.
