Defense Argues a Lack of Probable Cause, Suggests Police Coercion in Mass Shooting Case

By Carolyn Flammini , Betty Yigebahal - April 12, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On April 10, the prosecution called on police witness to testify before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan to prove probable cause in a mass shooting case.

Ronell Offutt, 35, is charged with four counts of assault with intention to kill while armed, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that injured multiple people at a bus stop on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on Feb. 4, 2019. Five individuals, including a 5-year-old girl, were injured.

In a previous motion hearing, Judge Raffinan granted the defense’s motion to suppress evidence that could be used in trial, which appears to be a photograph of the defendant allegedly identified by his mother, and body cam footage of Offutts’ arrest.

The defense argued that there was a lack of probable cause in Offutt’s original arrest as a reason to suppress the evidence.

The prosecution filed to reopen the evidence discussion with the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective investigating Offutt’s case who provided an in-court identification of Offutt–physically pointing at him and describing his orange jumpsuit and glasses. 

The prosecution presented the previously suppressed photographic evidence to the court. The image was the apparent shooting suspect standing beside a vehicle. The detective indicated the individual in the image is Offutt with Offutt’s mother’s vehicle.

The detective explained that when they first received this photograph, the license plate number was traced back to Offutt’s mother, who they visited at work to get more information. 

According to his testimony when speaking to Offutt’s mother she was asked if the individual in the photo was her son, to which she responded, “looks like him”. 

The prosecution then showed the body camera footage of Offutt’s arrest later that night. Where police knocked on his door, and handcuffed him around 3 a.m. Offutt is heard asking, “What is this?” multiple times. 

Offutt’s defense attorney, Janai Reed, alleged a lack of probable cause at the time of Offutt’s arrest. Indicating that police showed up without providing Offutt reasons for the action.

The defense also raised concerns about Offutt’s being given pain medication at the hospital before an interview with the police.

Offutt’s attorney argued he was coerced by detectives during questioning. She claimed detectives misled him by suggesting he needed to sign paperwork before receiving information, and failed to inform him of his right to refuse a buccal swab DNA test.

However, the prosecution said based on the evidence there was probable cause to arrest the defendant.

The prosecution reiterated Offutt’s mother’s identifying him in the image, as well as surveillance footage that was shown in a previous hearing from Martha’s Market, a shop surrounding the location of the shooting, that showed a man who closely resembled Offutt, having similar dreads and the same hat, pants, and boots, walking to and from the scene of the crime with an apparent firearm. 

The defense requested a motion to extend the trial date. They mentioned the unavailability of a key expert witness who was currently in another trial. They argued that if the motion to continue was not granted, they would request the government be prohibited from presenting certain evidence.

Judge Raffinan granted the defense’s request to continue the trial, allowing time for further preparation. 

Parties will meet for a ruling on April 23.