Friend Says He was with Murder Defendant All Day

By D.C. Witness Staff - March 28, 2019
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A friend of a murder defendant told a jury that he was with the defendant on the day a man was killed in Southeast DC. However, the prosecution said the witness’s testimony was inconsistent.

Andre Becton is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while released and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while released for allegedly shooting 35-year-old Darnell Peoples on the 600 block of Mellon Street, SE in 2016.

Becton’s friend, said he, Becton and others spent the day together. The witness said he and the defendant were “like brothers” and, on the day of the murder, Becton was “always by his side the whole time.” He said he saw everything the defendant had done that night.

However, the friend told the grand jury that he only spoke with the defendant after the night of the murder.

According to the prosecution’s theory, Peoples noticed a group of individuals playing a game of dice who were hunched over with their butts out. Peoples, who was high on PCP, made a homophobic comment, and as a result Becton, 27, became angry. The two got into a physical altercation. The prosecution said Becton shot Peoples.

However, defense counsel said that Peoples was the aggressor.

The trial is scheduled to continue on March 28.