Defense Begin Presenting their Case in 2020 Murder Trial

By D.C. Witness Staff - September 20, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Sept. 19, defense attorneys began questioning witnesses in a 2020 homicide trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Ravel Mills, 29 is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Toussaunt Strong. The incident took place on the 3400 block of 24th St, SE, on April 18, 2020. 

The defense continued to argue that the government and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) did not do an adequate job investigating cameras in the area around the 3400 block of 24th Street, SE, near Savannah Street. 

The defense called a witness to the stand who lives at a house adjacent to where the body was found. 

According to the witness, he heard a car speed off right after he heard shots fired. He then walked to the window and saw the body of a man on the curb.

He is the second witness to mention the car speeding off. No camera footage of the car was mentioned or has been shown in court.

A forensic scientist, who performed the autopsy, said Strong was likely to have been turning around when the shots were fired. Though she was unable to conclude exactly what position he was in.

He had four bullet wounds, he was hit in the wrist and ankle, and also the hip and back which were fatal.

The defense questioned a crime scene investigator about an alleged vial of PCP pictured at the scene. It allegedly fell out of the pockets of Strong while first aid was being performed. Adding to the defense’s case that Strong was high on PCP and was murdered by an angry PCP dealer, not Mills.

Testimonies is slated to continue on Sept. 20.