Alleged shooter claims death was an accident

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 14, 2018
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

The defendant in a 2015 homicide case took the witness stand Feb. 13 to explain that the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Ray Andre Harrison was accidental.

Davon Peyton, 27, testified that he had a “business” relationship with Harrison, and that he would often provide Harrison with marijuana in exchange for rides.

Peyton said he spoke to Harrison on the phone during the afternoon before the shooting, but Harrison did not indicate he had plans to show at Peyton’s apartment later that night.

According to Peyton, Harrison became defensive and angry and began assaulting him while at his apartment. After being punched in the face, Peyton said his gun went off by accident.

When he realized that Harrison had been shot, Peyton said he tended to Harrison and instructed those around him to call 911.

“I feel horrible,” said Peyton. “I didn’t mean for him to die. It wasn’t supposed to go like that.”

A toxicology expert told the jury that Harrison had a blood alcohol concentration level of 0.16 percent. The legal limit in D.C. in .07 percent.

Peyton is expected to be cross examined by the prosecution on Feb. 14.