Analyst Says Either Shot Could Have Killed Victim

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A forensic pathologist described how a homicide victim died before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on April 2.

Demonte Gibson, 27, and Asani Forte, 26, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property for their alleged involvement in the murder of 34-year-old Delonte King on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. Gibson is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

The analyst’s autopsy showed King endured gunshot wounds to his back and head, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. The pathologist said either of these gunshot wounds could have been fatal, but it was most likely a combination of the two that killed him.

The expert explained that there were no exit wounds on King and that a bullet was recovered from his abdominal wall and a bullet fragment from his brain.

A physician from the Medstar Hospital critical care unit testified King had injuries to his head, spine, and abdomen. He was on life support, and brain matter was visible.

Gibson’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, said King’s toxicology report showed phencyclidine, commonly referred to as PCP, in his system. Gardner argued that one side effect could be violent hallucinations, but the prosecution countered a side effect could also be a lack of energy.

A video compiled by the prosecution includes a map that tracks individuals whom the prosecution claims are Gibson, Forte, and their recently severed co-defendant Tre’Quan Nelson, identifying them by colored dots and circles. The witness testified that he had no knowledge of the events shown in the clips and added dots or circles based on the prosecution’s instructions.

Gardner objected saying no witness has identified the suspects or King in these videos thus far, so playing the video is basically like the prosecution testifying. Judge Brandt said that the prosecution had the right to present the evidence in a way that makes sense with their argument and that it is up to the jury to decide what or who they saw in the video.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 3.