Defendant's Former Friend Testifies about Possible Revenge Killing

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A one-time friend of a fatal shooting defendant testified about a suspected revenge killing in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on April 14.

Bernard Eddy, 25, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite on Sept. 10, 2019 on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE.

The former friend, who said he was with Eddy during the incident, told the jury that he was currently incarcerated for unrelated firearms and attempted robbery convictions. Recalling what happened in 2019, he said he and Eddy believed Brathwaite was possibly involved in the killing of 15-year-old Gerald Watson in what may have been a beef between two neighborhood groups.

After gambling together the witness said that he, Eddy, and some friends got into a car and drove past Brathwaite. Eddy allegedly called him a “body,” implying he was a free kill, and instructed the driver to take three right turns, putting them directly in Brathwaite’s path. Eddy, according to the witness, exited the car and began jogging towards Brathwaite while holding a gun. The witness testified that he heard rapid gunfire about 45 seconds after Eddy exited the car.

Brathwaite was said to be associated with the Hartford Street neighborhood while Eddy and his friends are associated with a rival group from Langston Lane, the area where Watson grew up. Brathwaite’s death was rumored to be in revenge for Watson’s murder. One of Brathwaite’s friends was charged with the killing but a second suspect was never identified.

Eddy’s attorney, Destiny Fullwood-Singh, questioned the witness’ credibility noting he had recently emailed the prosecution asking if he would get a reward for his testimony in this case. There was no response to the defense’s suggestion of a possible quid pro quo in return for cooperating in the case.

The prosecution called another witness who had been present on the day of the boy’s murder and confidently identified one of the shooters, but he had never seen the other shooter before. Though prosecutors suggested it could have been Brathwaite.

A ballistics expert testified about a firearm allegedly recovered from Eddy and the nine cartridge casings and four fragments located at the scene later analyzed by the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS).

All four fragments, said the expert, had some characteristics consistent with a 9mm handgun like the one said to be Eddy’s

A phone, also found on the scene contained images, videos, and texts prosecutors say link Eddy with firearms as well as pictures of a person said to be Eddy holding a firearm like the recovered weapon and suggestions of Brathwaite’s death.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 15.

Defendant’s Former Friend Testifies about Possible Revenge Killing