Case Acquitted: Contradictory Witness Statements Given in Mother-Son Shooting Trial

By Audrey Staudacher - January 26, 2024
Non-Fatal Shooting |

Donnell Tucker was acquitted of all charges on Jan. 31, 2024.

On Jan. 25, several witnesses testified regarding their knowledge of a non-fatal shooting incident in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno’s courtroom. 

Donnell Tucker, 27, is charged with one count of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, one count of burglary while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and one count of conspiracy for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 28, 2023, on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE.

On Nov. 6, 2023, Tucker’s mother, Tiaquana Chandler, 42, was convicted in connection to the shooting. She was convicted of conspiracy, but was acquitted of first-degree burglary, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, soliciting a violent crime, and additional possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charges. 

Marnitta King, Tucker’s defense attorney, had a chance to cross-examine an eyewitness who had previously testified on Jan. 24. The defense focused on the eyewitness’ previous claim that the man responsible for the shooting was not the defendant, but rather another man sitting in the courtroom.

King once again asked the eyewitness if they had seen “Who [they] believe to be Donnell” walk out of the court. The eyewitness reaffirmed they had. 

Between Jan. 24 and Jan. 25, the eyewitness’ testimony apparently varied on several important details. On Jan. 24, the witness was asked to give a description of Tucker and recalled a tattoo on the back of his neck. However, on Jan. 25, the witness claimed they “do not remember” previous statements regarding the defendant’s appearance. 

Additionally discrepancies appeared when the victim of the shooting took the stand who said he opened the door for Chandler and the Tucker the night of the attack. This contrasted with the claim of being at the door when it was forced open.

The eyewitness and the victim also disagreed over whether the assailant was wearing a mask during the attack and how many times Chandler returned to the apartment before allegedly returning with Tucker.

The eyewitness also reaffirmed observing violence between the victim and Tucker’s mother on several occasions. The victim testified that he had never had a physical altercation with Tucker’s mother. Instead, the victim described Chandler as an “associate,” when asked if they were friendly.  

In her cross examination of the victim, King asked, “You, on occasion, would beat the [eyewitness], correct?” The victim denied any criminal action against the eyewitness, and also denied claims of drug use the night of the attack, contradicting the eyewitness’ testimony. 

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) body worn camera footage revealed the victim’s interview at George Washington Hospital the night of the attack, in which the victim told officers, “it was Tiaquana and her son.” 

Despite this, King pointed out that the victim, according to their previous testimony at a grand jury, had never met Chandler’s son. 

The prosecution pointed out that the victim received medication and psychological treatment for his injuries and they may affect memory.

Following the victim’s testimony, prosecutors called a detective who was present the night of the attack. She testified to the validity of mail evidence found at a residence near the incident location that belonged to Chandler and Tucker.

Lastly, King directly asked the detective about sanctions against her in the past for failing to wear a body camera on several instances. The detective acknowledged the disciplinary actions.

Before leaving the stand, King asked how many gun shots the detective heard from the video presented in court. The detective testified to hearing one shot, which apparently contradicted a previous eyewitness testimony saying they saw five shots fired.

Trial is slated to resume Jan. 29.