Counsel Inquires About Defendant’s Actions Leading Up To and After Fatal Shooting

By Jai Bajaj [former] - September 20, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Sept. 20, a homicide defendant claimed his innocence during a trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Ravel Mills, 29 is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Toussaunt Strong. The incident took place on the 3400 block of 24th Street, SE, on April 18, 2020. 

The defense started the day by requesting an acquittal due to the lack of evidence provided by the prosecution. However, the prosecution said there was plenty of evidence, citing extensive footage of Mills chasing Strong before he allegedly murdered him. Judge O’Keefe denied the motion.

During his testimony, Mills sad he was not carrying a gun on the day of the incident, and he did not shoot Strong. 

In cross examination the prosecution asked Mills about movements he made during the chase, which was captured on surveillance footage. 

The prosecutor referenced when, in the footage, Mills is captured “putting [his] hand in [his] pocket.” The prosecutor said “in this way is consistent with reaching for a gun.”

Mills said it could be seen that way, but that he was not carrying a gun. 

The defense introduced videos from Mills’ Instagram account as evidence. Mills had multiple videos posted in which he messed with people who he claims were inebriated. Mills said he was chasing Strong simply because he was high and acting funny.

Mills was questioned by both parties about the video where he appears to hold up a black object and point it at Strong at the beginning of their interaction. 

Mills said he held up a scale used for marijuana sales and said, “freeze you’re under arrest,” to the noticeably inebriated Strong as a joke. Strong then ran from him and the chase began. 

Prosecutors introduced several of Mills’ text messages as evidence of guilt. According to the prosecutors, he texted a worker at the Shipley Market, a nearby store, asking about police presence on the street the day after the murder. The worker told Mills that there had been a murder the day prior.

Millspreviously said his YouTube searches after the murder about an incident on the block  were to see whether or not Strong had died.

The trial is scheduled to resume Sept. 20.