Parties Deliver Closing Arguments After Murder Defendant Questions Witnesses

By Rebecca Silverman [former] - March 16, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Murder defendant Chad Hawthorne questioned three witnesses during the sixth day of his trial. The day’s proceedings wrapped up with attorneys delivering their closing arguments.

Hawthorne, 41, is accused of shooting 35-year-old Antonio Bassett while he slept in an apartment on the 3900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, during the early hours of May 22, 2017. He is charged with first-degree murder while armed and two firearms offenses.

The three witnesses who testified on March 15 included the leaseholder of the apartment. He was previously called to testify for the prosecution but took the stand again after being subpoenaed by the defense. Hawthorne asked him about his prior drug use with Bassett as well as lies he has allegedly told police in the past.

After the prosecution cross-examined the witnesses, the parties delivered their closing arguments.

The main point of the prosecution’s argument was that the defendant had both the motive and the opportunity to murder Bassett. Prior to the incident, Bassett had allegedly stolen from the defendant. Hawthorne allegedly talked about this incident for days, feeling disrespected by someone he frequently looked out for. The prosecutor also noted how they had  medical evidence and witness testimony, all showing consistencies with the evidence that was provided. 

Public defender Steven Kiersh spoke about the door to the apartment being left open, which allowed people to come in and out at any point of the day, suggesting that someone other than Hawthorne could have committed the crime.

Kiersh also argued that the detective’s interrogation tactics with Hawthorne were extreme and may explain why there may have been inconsistencies in his story. He said there is not exact evidence pointing to Hawthorne as the killer.

The jurors are expected to receive their instructions on March 16 before beginning deliberations.