Defense Suggests Another Person Fatally Shot Victim

By Hayden Clark - July 2, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A defense attorney said the person, who was with her client, was the real perpetrator in a homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, during a July 1 hearing. 

Vernon Parrish, 40, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of  52-year-old Ronald Bailey, which occurred on Sept. 26, 2021, on the 5200 block of E Street, SE. 

Parrish’s defense attorney, Nikki Lotze, said Adrian Tate, who passed away, was with Parrish at the time of the incident. She said he shot Bailey in self-defense, insisting Bailey shot first.

Lotze insisted Parrish is not guilty, arguing that he does not match the shooter’s description – but Tate did. She also questioned the prosecution’s inability to link the murder weapon to Parrish. 

According to Lotze, ShotSpotter, a software used to detect and collect sounds of gunshots in the District, suggested two shooters. She argued two empty casings from a revolver were found in Bailey’s bedroom following his murder.  

During opening statements, the prosecution displayed Bailey’s image, and asserted that Parrish was not acting in self-defense. They insisted Parrish was guilty.

According to prosecution, Parrish and Tate went searching for Bailey at his home.  

The prosecution claimed the incident stemmed from jealousy, as Parrish and Bailey had been having relations with the same woman who was showing a greater interest in Bailey than Parrish.

After opening statements concluded, the defense objected to the prosecution’s opening statement relating to the wording of “causing” the death. While the prosecution’s main claim focused on Parrish being the shooter, they opened the possibility of Parrish still being guilty in “aiding” in the crime.

Judge Epstein sustained the objection discussing how the prosecution’s stance was out of scope of the charges. 

Parties are set to return on July 2.