Derryck Decuir continues to argue self-defense at murder trial

By D.C. Witness Staff - March 10, 2017
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

The man on trial for allegedly killing a teenager in June 2015 continued to argue he did so in self-defense Thursday.

Derryck Decuir, charged with the murder of Malek Mercer, tried to clear up some of the inconsistencies between his initial conversations with police and his current testimony.

Decuir told the jury on Thursday that he saw Mercer pull a gun out of his bag. The government pressed Decuir for details of the gun, but Decuir said he could not remember the color.

Prosecutor Jeffrey Nestler, reminded Decuir he spoke Wednesday of an admiration for guns. Decuir told his lawyer during his testimony Wednesday that he loved guns, so the government suggested Decuir should have know which gun Mercer was holding.

The government played a video of Decuir conversing with his mother, denying that he committed the murder.

“I don’t even own a gun.” Decuir said. “I’m on probation.”

Decuir was questioned by police, and at one point was left alone and began to talk to himself. The government played the video of Decuir repeatedly saying he was not responsible for Mercer’s murder.

“I did not shoot that boy. They’re gonna hold me until they find the fuckin’ shooter,” Decuir said.

Decuir said he knew that he was being recorded, but did not know he could be heard.  The government suggested that Decuir was “putting on a show.”

Decuir had also told detectives he “stays away from guns” but told his lawyers in court on Wednesday that he “loved guns.” The government showed the jury pictures of Decuir and his guns from his facebook page.

Decuir is still being held without bond.

The trial resumes on Monday with closing statements.