Defense Seeks to Exclude Sobriety Evidence in Triple Traffic Homicide

By Jenna Lee - November 8, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

Defense attorneys in a traffic homicide case argued motions to exclude statements by the defendant to police and sobriety tests in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Nov. 7. 

Nakita Walker, 44, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder, fleeing a law enforcement officer, and assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a March 15, 2023 car crash resulting in the deaths of Mohamed Kamara, 43, Jonathan Alberto Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22, on Rock Creek Parkway.

According to court documents, Walker allegedly fled a traffic stop by Park Police minutes before crashing into the vehicle occupied by Cabrera, Kamara and Torres. Walker’s blood-alcohol level was twice the limit during the incident. 

Albert Amissah, Walker’s attorney, argued the blood alcohol tests of the defendant should be excluded due to gaps in the chain of custody from when it was taken from the scene to the laboratory. He also said the tests were done during the traffic stop before the incident, so they do not accurately reflect her blood alcohol level at the time of the incident.

Prosecutors argued that under DC law, they do not need to prove her blood alcohol level at the time of the incident, just when the test was taken.

Amissah also argued statements Walker made to the police after the incident should be suppressed because she was under the influence of medications and did not knowingly give up her Miranda rights.

Prosecutors argued that from watching footage of Walker at the station they could tell she was aware of what was happening and made informed decisions.

Judge Okun said he would take these matters under consideration and issue a written ruling at a later date. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 18.