Prosecutors argued before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom that a violence interrupter is guilty by association, participation and intent on May 12.
Cotey Wynn, 44, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting at CRU Lounge, on the 1300 block of H Street, NE on Sept. 23, 2023. The shooting resulted in the death of 31-year-old Blake Bozeman and injuries to three surviving victims.
According to prosecutors, Wynn allegedly aided and abetted the shooter by facilitating his entry into the club with the firearm.
The alleged shooter, Frank Johnson, 44, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the same incident. However, parties agreed to not mention his name during the trial, as they want to ensure the trial focuses on Wynn.
During the hearing, the prosecution argued that despite Wynn not being the shooter, he played a instrumental role in the incident. Prosecutors claimed his “small acts,” had a “big impact,” highlighting Bozeman being shot multiple times at point blank range.
The prosecution deemed Wynn “the King of H Street,” stating he was well known and had a big influence in the area, alleging he often got preferential treatment over others. Video presented by the prosecutors showed Wynn and the shooter exit the lounge, which was manned by security, go to the shooter’s vehicle parked across the street and return to the lounge.
Prosecutors alleged that with his influence, Wynn was able to persuade security staff not to pat down the shooter, which differs from their typical policy of searching all men. “That’s the kind of influence he had,” the prosecution insisted.
Surveillance footage further depicted the shooting, during which the patrons in the lounge ducked and dove to the floor. However, prosecutors argued, the only one who didn’t react to the shooting was Wynn, identified as the man wearing a Buffalo Bills jacket in surveillance footage.
“He knew what was going to happen, and he helped it happen,” prosecutors stated, adding knowingly associating himself in the crime, intending to help the actions of another person succeed, and participating in it make him guilty of all charges.
Prosecutors insisted the shooting wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for his influence and who Wynn is. “What was supposed to be a fun night out, turned into the worst night ever,” for Bozeman and his friends.
“The bullets [Wynn] helped get into CRU ended Blake’s life,” the prosecutor stated, highlighting the chaotic scene. According to the prosecution, Wynn was “just standing there,” watching it all unfold.
“Getting someone past security is a small act, but when that person has a gun, it’s a devastating act,” the prosecutor insisted. “The King of H Street is guilty of all counts,” he said.
Brian McDaniel, Wynn’s attorney, disagreed, stating “Wynn is innocent.”
He stated they agree Wynn was at the lounge when everything occurred. However, they don’t agree he was involved in any way. According to McDaniel, there is no way Wynn could have known what was going to happen.
He questioned the investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), stating the lead detective originally believed Wynn had been the one to drive the shooter to the location, which McDaniel argued is shown to be untrue by surveillance footage.
McDaniel insisted there was no coordination or planning on Wynn’s part, stating there is no evidence that Wynn ever told security to not pat the shooter down as they went back into the club. McDaniel highlighted that surveillance footage shows Wynn return to the spot where he originally was when he and the shooter return to the lounge.
“Wynn didn’t have anything to do with it,” McDaniel asserted.
Jurors heard from Bozeman’s mom, who testified Bozeman “is in heaven,” and recalled seeing him and his three kids on the day of his death.
Bozeman’s mom remembered him as a loving and caring individual, highlighting his work with helping young people become first-time home owners, and mentoring young athletes.
Prosecutors also called on Bozeman’s two best friends that were with him at the time of his shooting.
His childhood best friend emotionally testified Bozeman was “my best friend, my brother,” adding “he was a part of me.”
Both friends testified that they hadn’t originally planned to go to CRU lounge that night, stating they made a “pit stop,” to visit Bozeman’s college friend who managed the bar on their way to another friend’s birthday party.
They testified their group did not have any disagreements or arguments with anyone at the lounge, but Bozeman’s childhood best friend testified that he felt “bad energy” in the place, and consistently felt and saw a man, who he identified as the man in the Buffalo Bills jacket, “mean mug” the group. McDaniel presented him with the video in the moments leading up to the shooting, in which the witness pointed out multiple times during which he believed Wynn was mean mugging him.
McDaniel argued the witness was looking away in the video as he pointed it out, but the witness retorted “He was watching us for a while, and I could feel it.”
The best friends explained that as they were leaving, they heard the first shot, believing it had been hookah falling from the bar, but they later realized it was a shooting when the sounds kept ringing.
They testified they fell to the ground and crawled out of the bar. Looking for Bozeman, they noticed he was collapsed next to a vehicle on the road. They both stated that was the last time they ever saw him. One of them called Bozeman’s dad to tell him about the shooting.
Prosecutors also called on a police officer, who rendered aid to Bozeman at the scene. He stated he responded to the report of a shooting, and noticed Bozeman on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds.
According to the officer, he used halo seals, which seal a gunshot wound to slow down bleeding, on the victim’s abdomen and back. He testified he didn’t do CPR because Bozeman was conscious and breathing. He later succumbed to his injuries at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
Another officer testified he responded to the scene and was directed by security to the upstairs area of the lounge, where he located three surviving victims. According to the officer, he asked dispatch for three additional ambulances.
Due to technological issues, the officer was unable to conclude his testimony.
Parties are slated to reconvene May 13.
