A victim argued with a defense attorney in the ongoing trial of a shooting defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Oct. 1.
Nigel Pulliam, 32, also known as “Michi,” 27, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon outside home or business, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, for his alleged involvement in two separate 2022 shootings: an alleged highway drive-by on Aug. 29, 2022, and a September 23, 2022, shooting outside an apartment on the 2100 block of Benning Road, NE.
Prosecutors introduced surveillance footage from Aug. 29, 2022, showing a person said to be Pulliam in a store before returning to a vehicle, followed by later video capturing gunfire. Law enforcement also verified photographs of Pulliam as the suspect.
The victim testified under subpoena, recounting that he had received text messages from Pulliam about a firearm the day before the shooting. The victim also described Pulliam pressing a pistol against his side and later being shot in a drive-by. The victim admitted he did not call the police immediately, saying he “didn’t have time.”
During cross-examination, defense attorney Sara Kopecki highlighted how the victim did not disclose all details of the incident to the police while in the hospital, suggesting he was untruthful during the initial investigation, the grand jury process, and his current testimony. When confronted, the victim acknowledged the error, telling Kopecki, “You did good; you got that one. I made a mistake.”
Questioning by Kopecki quickly became heated, marked by aggressive exchanges and repeated objections.
The victim testified that he went to get medical attention on his own after sustaining a gunshot wound in the incident on Aug. 29, 2022. Surveillance footage from United Medical Center was introduced, showing him attempting to walk out of the hospital.
When asked by the defense whether he was trying to leave to avoid law enforcement, the victim responded firmly, “Hell no.” When the question was repeated, he added, “You can’t be that dumb. Hell no.”
Much of the defense’s questioning focused on why the victim did not initially disclose the involvement of an individual known as “Michi” during police interviews. The victim admitted to withholding information, stating that he was disoriented, in pain, and concerned about incriminating himself.
“I said what I said just to get them out of my face,” he testified. “My opportunity is now… I am telling the truth right now under oath.”
The tone escalated when Kopecki pressed him on perceived inconsistencies, prompting the victim to exclaim, “You are acting like him [the defendant], a d***!” The outburst led to a momentary pause as the court restored order.
The victim also admitted under oath that he had lied to law enforcement during initial interviews, citing confusion and emotional distress in the aftermath of the shooting. He described struggling to recall specific details and expressed frustration at the repetition of the defense questioning.
Following the victim’s testimony, the prosecution called the victim’s close friend, a longtime acquaintance of both the victim and the defendant. He testified that he had previously acted as a mediator during a dispute involving the victim and the defendant, though he claimed to have limited recollection of events due to past drug use and ongoing medication.
He stated he did not recognize the defendant in the courtroom.
Parties are slated to resume the trial on Oct. 6.
