Counsel Makes Opening Statements in Assault Case Involving Two Childhood Friends

By Alayna Stein [former] , Christopher Sivak [former] - February 28, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects |

During a Feb. 27 trial for an assault case, 12 members of the jury, including two alternates, heard opening arguments from both parties. 

The assault, which was allegedly perpetrated by 50-year-old Stefen Farmer, occurred on the 4400 block of Gault Place, NE. According to court documents, Farmer fired three non-fatal shots at the victim during an argument over money on Feb. 25, 2021. 

Farmer is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Farmer, seated next to his defense attorney Nikki Lotze, was wearing a muted yellow button down shirt and sat with his arms crossed as he watched the prosecution make their opening statement.  

The prosecutor explained that the jury would be shown an abundance of evidence, including video footage, witness testimonies, and an identification, which would prove Farmer’s guilt.

The prosecutor stated that the defendant and victim were childhood friends and had known each other for years.

He said the victim was shot once in the leg and hand before another individual shoved Farmer out of the way, preventing him from firing further.

The prosecutor also said the victim was walking away when he was shot over a dispute with Farmer about money. According to the prosecutor, the victim refused to give Farmer two dollars, which led to a heated argument between the two men.

The prosecutor concluded by saying Farmer sent the victim a Facebook message to apologize for  shooting him after the incident.

“Stefen Farmer is innocent,” Lotze said, placing a hand on his shoulder as she walked by him to address the jury. 

Lotze argued self-defense in Farmer’s case, claiming that the victim was armed with a gun when he and Farmer got into the argument. When the victim allegedly reached for his gun, Farmer shot at him. 

She stated that “because [Farmer] acted in self defense, he is not guilty of any crime.”

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein thanked the jury for their time before dismissing them to discuss motions with counsel. 

The defense also filed a motion regarding their cross-examination of the victim, focusing specifically on the victim’s prior criminal involvement, including charges for possession of liquid PCP, that was ongoing at the time of this incident.

Judge Epstein determined that the defense would not be allowed to question the victim about the location of his prior arrest or the conditions of his previous release. 

The trial was scheduled to resume at 10 a.m. on Feb. 28.