Defense Discovers Inconsistent Witness Statements During Cross Examination

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 22, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

An interview with a Metropolitan Police Department detective revealed inconsistent statements said by someone who claimed to be a witness to a homicide.

Gregory Washington is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Alie Labay on the 900 block of 21st Street, NE on Oct. 24, 2019. Washington, 30, had gone to his ex-wife’s house, where he confronted her new boyfriend, Labay, 32, got in a physical dispute, and then shot him three times. Labay was transported to an area hospital where, despite all life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. 

During cross-examination with a lead detective, the defense pointed out that one of the witnesses involved shared contradicting statements about the events that took place on the night of the homicide. 

The witness initially said the defendant was fleeing the scene with a gun. But, later shared with another witness over the phone that the defendant had been wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a gun was not seen.

The witness also said that in contradiction to what was told to police, the witness was in their room, high. However, the witness also asserted that the witness fled to their room after the physical altercation started. 

DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring concluded that there is substantial probability of a conviction due to the evidence provided and the strength of the witness statement., She said, for the time being, that Washington is a threat to the community and will therefore remain in custody for the grand jury to evaluate the circumstances. 

Washington has several previous convictions, including firearm possession one in 2008 and carjacking in 2014. Both crimes took place in Maryland. 

Judge Josey-Herring scheduled a status hearing on April 17.

This article was written by Noa Donvan