A jury found a homicide defendant guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 23.
Irv Duff, 35, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and obstruction of justice for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Darnell Gibson, 26. The incident occurred on Aug. 1, 2023, on the unit block of Forrester Street, SW.
According to evidence in the trial, Duff had a verbal altercation with Gibson after dropping off his then-girlfriend at her apartment, where she lived across from Gibson. Gibson then followed Duff outside to fight over a barbeque grill that Duff reportedly knocked over. Duff fired 22 rounds from his gun, and Gibson sustained three gunshot wounds.
In his testimony, Duff reported that Gibson allegedly ran towards him and pulled a gun from his waist. In response, Duff claimed he only pulled the trigger once but lost control as his gun “went crazy.” When Duff fled the scene, he alleged he was unaware if anyone was shot.
After less than two days of deliberations, the jury unanimously found Duff guilty of second-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.
Duff was acquitted of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and obstruction of justice.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene for Duff’s sentencing on Sept. 11.
