Defense Wants to Exclude Expert’s Opinion in Murder Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 14, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Juveniles | Suspects | Victims |

During a trial readiness hearing on Feb. 13, the defense argued that an expert’s opinion should be excluded in a murder case. 

Dajuan Jones, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for the alleged shooting of Cheyenne Washington on the 4400 block of E Street, SE in July of 2018. Jones is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license with prior felony, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. 

Jones’ defense attorney, David Knight, asked to exclude the expert opinion of a witness that would be called by the prosecution. The witness would give an opinion on Instagram photos of the defendant with an unidentified firearm.

The opinion states the firearm seen in the Instagram photos could be consistent with .308 caliber shells fired at the crime scene. 

Knight said the photos should be censored in instances where the defendant is scene pointing the gun toward the camera. The censorship would be for the purpose of minimizing potential jury bias. 

“It shows the possession by the defendant of what could be reasonably assumed to be the murder weapon,” DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz said.

The Knight said he is considering calling an expert witness to argue that the firearm depicted in the photo could fire either .308 caliber or 9 millimeter ammunition. 

The defense must file motions to introduce expert witnesses by Feb. 19. The prosecution has to respond by Feb. 24. 

A trial readiness hearing is slated to occur on Feb. 20. 

Written by Wyatt Mullins