Bullet Remnants From Earlier Shooting Linked to 2020 Homicide, Conspiracy Case

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DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony from a firearms examiner linking shell casings to three firearms, including a ghost gun, which were allegedly used in multiple shootings by three primary co-defendants.

Five casings were compatible with a 9mm Smith and Wesson M&P Shield handgun, six casings were compatible with a privately made firearm described as a 9mm Polymer 80 handgun, also known as a ghost gun, and 10 casings were compatible with a 9mm Glock 26.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020 on the 600 block of S Street, NW. The shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, Feb. 24, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy of the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

In an attempt to prove the conspiracy, the prosecution claims all firearms involved in the shooting are the “calling cards” of the defendants recovered from search warrants.

On April 30, the prosecution re-called the firearm’s analyst to testify about the shooting that occurred on the 1600 block of Ninth Street, NW, on Feb. 24, 2020.

The witness analyzed multiple bullet fragments and shell casings that were recovered from the crime scene to compare them to five firearms that are allegedly linked to the shootings.

The bullet fragments were deemed inconclusive from impact damage.

According to the witness, he was able to find a likely match from three of the five firearms to the casings.

In cross-examination by Freeman’s defense attorney, Andrew Ain, the witness clarified that the casings are only “consistent” with the firearms and can’t prove they are the exact firearms used in the shooting.

Parties are slated to return May 1.