Call Admitted Into Evidence As Prosecution Implies Murder was Retaliatory

By Jenna Gainsboro [former] - June 14, 2023
Court | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On June 14, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun held a trial readiness hearing in a first-degree murder case with threw victims.

Jalen Browne, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting that took place on the 100 block of Q street NW, on July 25, 2021.

Jovan Hill, 22, and Tariq Riley, 19, suffered fatal wounds and later died at MedStar Hospital. A third victim suffered a gunshot wound to the torso, but he survived.

Both parties agreed that they were ready for trial, barring the one motion the prosecution brought forth, which requested that a 911 call to be admitted into evidence. 

It supposedly details f a robbery on May 9, 2021 in which Browne was the victim. The prosecution said the call is evidence for motive, stating that the shooting on July 25, 2021 was retaliation for the robbery. 

The defense counsel did not object to the motion, but stated that they would object to the evidence during trial as the prosecution has not yet proven that Browne was actually a robbery victim.

Trial is slated to begin on July 6.