Defense Challenges Video Identification During Preliminary Hearing in Triple Homicide Case

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On Jan.18, video evidence and witness testimony was presented before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun to assess whether a homicide case can proceed to trial.

Jalonte Nathaniel Thompkins, 32, and Renza Bryant, 37, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the shooting of James Morgan, 34, his brother Jamal Morgan, 30, and 42-year-old Vincent Martin, and two surviving victims. The incident occurred on the 2500 block of Ontario Road, NW on Aug. 5, 2023.

During the preliminary hearing, a detective with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about Thompkins and Bryant’s alleged involvements in the shooting. The detective was questioned regarding surveillance footage that allegedly captured the defendants near the crime scene.

The video showed a black male with a heavy build, light colored t-shirt, short hair and black shoes walking toward the 1700 block of Euclid Street, NW, 13 seconds before the shooting. Shortly after, two black males, one wearing shorts and a black-sleeves shirt and the other wearing a black shirt and black pants, were seen walking towards Euclid.

The officer identified both individuals in the footage as Thompkins and Bryant.

Bryant’s defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, argued against identifying Bryant based on the video, emphasizing that no one could definitively say who it was. She highlighted that no eyewitness had described his appearance as the alleged shooter.

The detective mentioned Thompkins running in the video, holding his waistband as if holding a firearm. Smith countered by noting the video showed at least five individuals doing the same, challenging the specificity of the officer’s reports.

The detective reported the discovery of three types of shell casings at the crime scene, including 9mm, 40 caliber, and 45 caliber cartridge casings. He asserted that Thompkins’ DNA was found in several of the gun casings.

The direction of the shell casings at the crime scene showed the suspects’ flight path, which led MPD’s investigation to an apartment building on Ontario Road. A surveillance video from the apartment building revealed that, an individual identified as Bryant, spent about five minutes in the apartment, where, the detective argues, he changed his pants, shirt, and hat before exiting.

According to the detective, MPD conducted various searches in multiple properties connected to the defendants. He claims that at the Ontario Road address where Bryant was allegedly seen, and another undisclosed address, no firearms were recovered. However, at Thompkin’s address, multiple firearms were allegedly recovered. The addresses were confirmed based on mail matter and prescription bottles addressed to the defendants.

Due to time constraints, the detective was unable to conclude his testimony.

The preliminary hearing will continue Jan. 26.

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