Judge Proceeds with Jury Selection Despite Defense’s Objection

By D.C. Witness Staff - March 2, 2020
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A DC Superior Court judge started jury selection March 2 after overruling an objection made by the defense against the prosecution.

Joseph Brown, 30 and Rondell Mcleod, 26 are being charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting shooting Amari Jenkins, 21 on August 18, 2015, on the 4900 block of East Capitol Street, SE. Brown is also being charged with allegedly shooting Antwan Baker, 29, on November 12, 2015, on the 5300 Block of Clay Terrace, NE.

Defense Attorney, Megan Allburn objected to the prosecution’s case before jury selection began. She said the prosecution didn’t depict the crime scene correctly.

Allburn said the prosecution’s description of the crime scene made it seem like the crime happened inside of a residential building. She said she wanted to make it clear to the jury that the crime occurred outside of the building.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd E. Edelman overruled the objection. He said he decided that the address was not misleading and stated that the prosecution can continue as planned.

Jury selection started afterwards with a large group of jurors. 

Judge Edelman asked potential jurors whether they had mistrust in the criminal justice system or the police department. He said the questions were being asked because the prosecution’s case included testimony from law enforcement.

Opening statements are set to begin on March 3.

This article was written by Jailynn Caraballo.