Opening arguments and witness testimony opening arguments in a non-fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on July 1. The violence apparently arose from a domestic dispute.
Vann Allen, 36, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of less than one year for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on 1400 block of New York Ave NE on Nov. 11, 2023.
The prosecution claimed after a night out with friends and family, the victim got into an argument between his girlfriend and ex-girlfriend, who he ran into at Throw Social night club. The victim was trying to intervene when Allen allegedly closed in on the victim, who was unarmed. Allen allegedly shot him once in the stomach and “calmly walked away”.
They concluded their opening statements by urging the jury to find the defendant guilty as DNA evidence, clothing and witness testimonies will ultimately prove Allen’s guilt.
“‘You can get any n*****’…these were the words that Vann Allen heard,” Sellano Simmons, Allen’s attorney, told the jury. Simmons argued that the victim was yelling to Allen in the moments leading up to the shooting. Allen did not know the victim, and was trying to leave, said Simmons.
Throughout his opening arguments, Simmons did not deny that Allen shot the victim. He did argue that the prosecution did not give a full account which included the victim’s fighting words with Allen.
Simmons stated that, “The incident happened very fast” and Allen was “scared for his own life, scared for his safety, he reacted.”
When Allen was located by police, he immediately identified himself and did not resist arrest.
Simmons urged the jury to presume Allen was acting in self defense. At the end of his argument, Simmons asked the jury to remember that Allen just “wanted to go home”.
The prosecution called the lead detective of the case, who revealed that he never personally interviewed the victim and was not present when Allen was located. Additionally, the crime scene was not fully secured for several minutes due to crowds and getting medical attention for the victim.
The witness identified the exact location of the crime on a map. He also positively identified Allen in court as the person said to be the suspect that was arrested the night of the incident.
Parties are slated to reconvene on July 2.
