Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - November 30, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Knico Wheaton, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 41-year-old Tavon Cox on Jan. 11 on the 700 block of 24th Street, NW. 

During the Nov. 30 hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) assistant detective, who worked on the case, said he identified the defendant based on GPS data, surveillance footage, anonymous tips and eyewitness accounts. 

The detective said that when he first arrived on the scene, Cox was still conscious and was able to tell detectives that it was a drug deal gone wrong. However, Cox didn’t know who shot him.

A witness, who was with Cox at the time of the shooting, said a drug deal was set up using Instagram messaging. The witness and Cox drove to the location and met with the two buyers.

During the deal, one of the buyers pulled out a firearm and started shooting, the witness said.

The prosecution later showed photos of an Instagram message exchange between Wheaton and Cox setting up the drug deal.

During cross-examination, defense attorney David Richter asked the detective if the other buyer, who was allegedly with Wheaton during the drug deal, was the one who shot Cox. 

The detective said there was no gun found on the other buyer when officers searched his house, but the weapon they found at Wheaton’s residence was the same firearm that was used in the shooting. 

Judge Michael Ryan ultimately decided that the case has enough evidence to go to trial.

“I believe there is substantial probability based on the evidence that was shown in court,” he said. 

Wheaton’s next court date is scheduled for Dec. 29.  He is being held at DC Jail without bail. 

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.