Three Witnesses Deliver Testimony in Co-defendant Murder Trial

By D.C. Witness Staff - November 16, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Juveniles | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

During a Nov. 15 jury trial, the prosecution in a murder trial discredited the defense’s expert witness, citing unqualified credentials and termination for behavioral conduct. Two other witnesses also delivered testimony at the proceeding.

James Mayfield, 23, and Robert Moses, 23, are charged with more than twelve counts each in connection to the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Jamahri Sydnor on Aug. 10, 2017, at the intersection of Montana and Saratoga Avenues, NE. The defendant’s charges include first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Mayfield and Moses were allegedly carrying .40 and .45 caliber guns and fired over ten rounds at people standing on Saratoga Avenue. One of the bullets struck Sydnor while she was driving, killing her. 

Three other bystanders were struck in the shooting, sustaining injuries from the stray bullets.

As part of its argument on Nov. 15, the defense summoned a  forensic biology specialist as an expert witness, but, during the prosecution’s redirect, it was revealed that the witness had been rejected as an expert witness in other matters twice on account of his “premedical sciences” degree.

The witness said the state court system did not accept this major despite the fact that he engaged in the same coursework as biology and chemistry students. 

In addition, the witness disclosed that he had been terminated from two places of employment throughout his career, citing sexual harassment allegations as the cause for one of his terminations.

The defense failed to offer any redirect after the prosecution completed her cross-examination of the witness.

Following the witness’ testimony, the defense continued their cross-examination of another witness who was questioned during Monday’s proceeding. The man suffered a fractured leg and hip from the incident as he reportedly fell out of his wheelchair in response to the sound of gunshots.

Rather than receiving medical care at the scene, the victim said he had been driven home after the incident to drop items off before an ambulance was called to his residence. Three hours had reportedly elapsed between the time of his injury and the time of care.

Mayfield’s defense attorney, Veronice Holt, asked the witness why he waited 3 hours to seek treatment while in “excruciating pain.” The witness declined to answer the question, invoking his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination.

Holt revealed the witness’ criminal record, which includes several charges of drug possession and distribution.

The prosecution did not provide a redirect after the defense.

In light of the witness’s refusal to provide additional information, another witness, Phillip McDaniel, was called to the stand. This man allegedly acted as the getaway driver during the incident.

During his testimony, Holt played footage of his interview with detectives from Aug. 10, 2017, where he admittedly lied to officers. 

There, McDaniel said he implicated a fictitious character he manufactured named “Beau” as the suspect. Several parallels existed between his own physical attributes and those of Beau’s, namely, height, build, complexion, and tattoos.

“I was trying to lie myself out of the situation,” the witness admitted after looking at the footage. 

When Holt referenced his involvement in the incident, she questioned why he wore a ski mask in the middle of the summer if he was not involved in the crime. 

“It’s the new style,” McDaniel responded.“Everyone wears them.”

Before Holt could ask any additional questions and the prosecution could begin their cross-examination, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan stopped proceedings for the day. 

Parties are scheduled to return to court on Nov. 16 to continue the trial.