Contrasting Closing Arguments Presented in Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

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On June 6, attorneys delivered closing arguments and jury deliberations began in a trial for a 2018 non-fatal shooting case.

Joshua Hemphill, 33, is charged with 58 separate offenses involving a non-fatal shooting that took place on September 21, 2018, on the 2400 block of Wagner Place SE. The charges include assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm, obstruction of justice, burglary, destruction of property, and threat to kidnap or injure.

In closing statements, the prosecution implored the jury to find the defendant guilty stating, “That man, the defendant, needs to be held accountable for what he did.” Prosecutors had earlier presented text message evidence to bolster their case.

Prosecutors went on to say that the two victims in this incident deserve justice.

The defense counsel, meanwhile, also referred back to the evidence presented in their closing statement.

“Evidence shows he wasn’t there, he didn’t pull the trigger, he’s innocent,” said Hemphill’s attorney, alluding to the fact, that there is no physical evidence to connect him to the incident.

After closing arguments, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz gave the jury instructions and sent them into deliberations.