DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz accepted expert testimony Feb. 18 from a forensic psychologist that a defendant was not suffering from PTSD during his alleged involvement in a shooting.
Khalid Claggett, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Isaac Aull Jr, 30, on the 1600 block of Franklin Street NE, on June 11, 2021. All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during Claggett’s release for another offense.
A forensic psychologist testified that she conducted a court-ordered evaluation of Claggett’s mental health and did not find any evidence of PTSD symptoms through his responses or body language. In addition, his results for other personality and emotional functioning tests, according to the psychologist, were not clinically significant or indicative of a PTSD diagnosis.
After reviewing footage of the incident, the psychologist said she does not believe Claggett experienced post-trauma symptoms during the shooting. She described his actions as “reactionary” and “purposeful.”
Claggett’s attorney, Howard McEachen, cross-examined the expert witness by asking her the likelihood of symptoms going away in two months. She said that it is possible, but very unlikely.
Two months prior to her evaluation, another psychologist diagnosed Claggett with PTSD. She testified that she was surprised by his diagnosis since he did not request to review any records, a crucial step in determining someone’s condition.
After the cross examination, the prosecution urged jurors to find Claggett guilty for all charges, emphasizing exhibits and witness testimonies allegedly showed the defendant did not act in self-defense but rather made a deliberate decision to use deadly force.
The prosecutor told the jury, during closings, that each witness mentioned they saw Claggett shoot the victim or walk past them in the direction of the victim. This proves Claggett was not using self-defense and acted voluntarily, the prosecutor said.
The prosecutor expressed that Claggett testified as a witness stating that “It is to his benefit to make up a story.”
The incident video was presented an additional time to the jury.
The prosecutor mentioned that Clagget acted as the “judge, jury, and executioner.” Claggett decided to take matters into his own hands, instead of letting the law and police fix it, the prosecutor said. The prosecutor concluded statements by asking the jury to find the defendant guilty of all charges.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 19 when the defense is expected to give a closing argument in the case.
