Counsel Delivers Closing Arguments in 2017 Murder Trial

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 22, 2018
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During closing arguments in a murder trial, the prosecution argued that even without DNA their case has “overwhelming” evidence that a defendant fatally struck a 65-year-old woman with his car.

David Jones is charged with second-degree murder and driving under the influence for the death of Carolyn Ellis at the intersection of 10th and U Street, NW in 2017. According to court documents, a witness told police Ellis’ body was thrown 8-to-10 feet in the air before hitting a parked car and landing on the street.

Jones, 38, is also charged with reckless driving and leaving after colliding.

The prosecution said a Metropolitan Police Department officer saw a black man with dreadlocks, which matches Jones’ description, speeding in a black car in the vicinity of the crime scene on the night of the murder.

Surveillance video captured a dark-colored car run a red light and turn onto U Street, fatally striking Ellis, who was crossing the street.

Shortly after, the officer saw the same car on 14th Street, NW, a short distance from the crash. Police discovered an opened Heineken bottle in the front passenger’s seat. During the investigation, officers also found part of a watch strap on the driver’s seat, according to the lead detective’s testimony.

An expert witness said the car also displayed damage to the exterior that was consistent with the fatality. 

When police located Jones a short distance away, he was holding the keys to the black car and a broken watch that matched the strap found in the car. An officer on the scene deemed Jones intoxicated and testified that Jones smelled of alcohol and, at times, couldn’t stand up.

Jones’ defense attorney, Antoini Jones, argued that regardless of who the driver was, the fatality was an accident and that Ellis may have played a role in her own death.

Apparently, Ellis did not have the right of way and chose to cross the street “against the light.” Furthermore, the defense noted that Ellis was wearing all black and that the incident occurred at night. The defense also said that the other individual who was crossing the street with Ellis stopped when they saw a car coming, but Ellis ran across the street.

According to the defense, no one was actually able to identify Jones as the driver and there was no scientific evidence that the driver was speeding. 

“This case is reeking of reasonable doubt,” the defense said.

The jury is scheduled to begin deliberating on Oct. 23.