Victim’s Mother Testifies in Murder Trial

By Beatriz Canals [former] - October 20, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

During an Oct. 19 murder trial, the victim’s mother testified about her son’s death.  

Derek Turner, 31, and co-defendant Ronnika Jennings, 44, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and conspiracy in connection with the shooting of 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter on March 5, 2017, on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE. 

Turner is also charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Devin Hall on Jan. 7, 2017, on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE.

Jennings is specifically accused of sharing criminal intelligence with Turner during her time working as a clerk for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The third co-defendant Duan Hill, 33, is charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice. 

During the Wednesday trial, McPhatter’s mother identified two pictures of McPhatter and his friends, as well as one picture of her son’s cars. 

She began tearing up as she explained that she last saw McPhatter get into his car before being called with news of the shooting on March 1, 2017.

The prosecution presented a forensic scientist from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), who described how the wind prevented him from properly processing the scene of the shooting because it continuously blew away the placards and casings. 

The prosecution also showed various crime scene pictures that the witness took of the shell casings and the damaged vehicle. 

An eyewitness testified about the Jan. 7, 2017, shooting of Hall. She described seeing two men exiting a vehicle and shooting the victim. She also said she called 911 for an ambulance to arrive at the scene of the shooting. 

During the cross-examination, defense attorney Michael Madden asked the witness if she remembered her specific testimony from the 2019 Grand Jury trial. 

She said she had a hard time recalling information about the shooting, stating that she was traumatized and “tried to make that event disappear from her mind.” 

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa J. Demeo set this trial to continue on Oct. 20.