Parties presented closing arguments for a non-fatal shooting case before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on July 7.
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, unlawful possession of a firearm, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Nov. 11, 2023.
According to police reports, one victim was wounded on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NE.
The prosecution stated that Allen admitted that he was the one who shot the victim and was seen on video footage walking away from the crime scene. They also argued that there was no need for self-defense as the victim did not possess a weapon and Allen purposefully followed the victim. Prosecutors also emphasized that the conditions of self-defense require someone to be in danger of death or reasonable bodily injury.
The prosecution asserted that Allen chose to use lethal force at close range, pointing out that without surgery the victim would have died.
The prosecution stated “we are not saying the defendant is a bad person, but what he did was a crime and he should be held accountable.”
Allen’s defense, Michelle Lockard, argued that Allen acted in self-defense, only shooting the victim after he lunged for him. Lockard noted that the victim was intoxicated and behaving aggressively, engaging in three separate fights with his ex-girlfriend and girlfriend at the time. The victim yelled that he intended to take his anger out on anyone and anything prior to the shot being fired, according to Lockard.
The defense stated that Allen was not “following” the victim, instead traveling with the crowd toward a nearby parking garage.
Lockard also emphasized that Allen only fired one bullet when he had eight in the chamber. Allen did not aim his gun and was unaware of where his bullet would strike, according to Lockard. She argued that Allen was acting out of “self-preservation” and exercised restraint, not lethal force.
Lastly, Lockard claimed that the reason Allen left the scene was because he was scared. Allen was allegedly pursued by the victim’s brothers and was looking for a place of safety.
In rebuttal, the prosecution argued that Allen’s actions that night were unreasonable and unjustified. The prosecution questioned why Allen would bring a loaded firearm into a nightclub to begin with.
The prosecution also questioned why Allen would follow the victim and involve himself in the altercation if he was allegedly scared and if Allen truly felt he acted in self-defense, he would’ve waited for police to arrive on scene. They stated that “it was almost like he brought a gun to someone else’s fist fight.”
Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.
