Defendant Convicted in Non-Fatal Shooting of Transgender Sex Worker

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A jury found Jerry Tyree guilty of five-out-of six-charges after shooting a transgender sex worker while possessing liquid PCP before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Aug. 24.

Tyree, 46, was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of liquid PCP. The charges stemmed from a shooting on the 5900 block of Foote Street, NE on Nov. 29, 2023. One victim sustained injuries to the groin and genitals from the incident.

The jury found the defendant not guilty for attempted unlawful possession of liquid PCP.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution argued the shooting resulted from a transaction gone wrong with a sex worker.

The defendant testified that the victim took money from his pocket while performing oral sex. He said he pulled out a firearm and demanded his money back. He said the gun discharged during a struggle.

The victim testified that the encounter escalated into an argument when Tyree accused her of trying to pick his pocket and she accused him of undervaluing her services. She said Tyree pulled out a gun and shot her, hitting her in the genitals.

The prosecution argued the defendant’s testimony was inconsistent with the victim’s and other witnesses’ testimony, as well as with surveillance footage.

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki argued the gun likely belonged to the victim. She said the victim’s testimony about where the gun came from wasn’t credible.

Tyree’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 13