Defendant Testifies Regarding Events Leading Up to Murder

By Adriana Marroquin - April 27, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On April 27, Devin Washington testified regarding what occurred the night that his best friend died. 

Washington, 22, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Vincent Robinson. The incident occurred on Feb. 15, 2022, on the 3800 block of 9th Street, SE. 

The lead detective on the case continued his testimony, stating that Robinson had endured four gunshot wounds, including two to his back, one to his abdomen, and one to his head. 

When questioned by the defense regarding other suspects, the detective stated that he did not follow through with investigating anyone else because the people mentioned by witnesses that may have had beef with Robinson did not fit the characteristics of the individual seen exiting the house with the victim whom they believe to be the shooter. 

Following the detective’s testimony, the defense called forth Washington to testify regarding what he saw the night of the incident. 

Washington told DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan that he and Robinson had been friends since they were 12 years old, and he considered him his best friend. He argued that he had no reason to want to hurt him. 

According to the defendant, he and Robinson were walking to Washington’s car when he heard a gunshot. When he looked up, he saw Robinson fall to the ground, and saw a man, whom he identified in court by name, with a gun. 

He said he ran to his car to drive off, and saw someone stick their head out of the door to Robinson’s house. The head sticking out is caught on surveillance footage. 

When asked why he didn’t call 911 to ask for help, he stated he believed the person who had stuck their head out would’ve done so. 

Prosecutors questioned Washington about his criminal history. According to the prosecutor, Washington was on release for an assault with a dangerous weapon case for which he was convicted in November 2020, and he was absconding at the time of the murder.

Washington denied ever shooting a gun, but stated he knew the flash seen on surveillance footage was a muzzle flash that came from the gun used to kill Robinson.  

According to court documents, Washington sent three instagram direct messages to Robinson following the shooting, including one that read “stop playing, you were just wit me.” 

Prosecutors argued that the defendant sent those messages to try to protect himself to make it seem like he had no idea what was happening. But, he testified he was present at the time of the murder. 

Prosecutors requested Judge Raffinan find probable cause that Washington committed the murder, stating that his admittance of being at the crime scene, the fact that the shooting happened right when they got off camera frame, and two of the wounds being on the victim’s back proves that the shooter had to be standing where Washington was. 

Defense attorney, Jason Tulley, asked Judge Raffinan to not find probable cause. 

“It is unheard of to have a defendant testify in a preliminary hearing, but he did it to prove his innocence,” he said. 

Tulley insisted that there is no indication in any of the evidence provided that Washington had a gun the night of the offense. He argued that the gun believed to be owned by Washington was too big to be hidden in the coat he was wearing. 

“If [Washington’s] goal was to kill [Robinson] that night, he would have done it in the car,” he said, referencing the fact that Washington and Robinson were in a car alone an hour and a half before the shooting occurred. 

Subsequent to arguments from both sides, Judge Raffinan requested extra time to be able to review all evidence provided by both parties in order to rule on the probable cause argument. 

All parties are expected back on May 3 to receive the ruling.