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By
Jenna Lee [former]
- November 20, 2024
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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A detective with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about a homicide defendant’s alleged gang affiliation and his relationship to a suspected co-conspirator in front of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Nov. 19.
Tony Morgan, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and conspiracy. The changes stem from his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE, on Oct. 20, 2018, which resulted in the death of 19-year-old Malik McCloud.
Martinez Raynor, 26, is also charged in connection to McCloud’s death. Judge Raffinan had granted a request to sever the cases, allowing them to be tried separately.
Judge Raffinan ruled on Nov. 15 that evidence connecting Morgan to “Solid Gang” was admissible in the case.
The detective identified Morgan and Raynor in music videos produced by the group and in photos that were captioned with “#solidgang”. He also testified that he was aware of “beef” between Solid Gang and “PDS,” a rival group to which McCloud allegedly belonged.
The detective said he examined relevant Instagram records, which the prosecution showed the jury, including messages allegedly between Raynor and Morgan’s accounts. The messages included an interaction less than a month before the shooting when Morgan messaged Raynor “I need them 9eggs,” which the detective said was slang for 9 millimeter bullets.
Prosecutors showed the jury stories posted on Morgan’s Instagram account, including a line that read, “We go kill all the opps.”
Prosecutors also showed the jury records of video calls between Morgan and Raynor’s Instagram accounts on the day of the homicide and photos from Raynor’s instagram of a glock-style gun, which prosecutors say matched the model of the gun used in this case.
On cross examination, the detective told defense attorney Steven Kiersh that it is possible for people to use another person’s Instagram account. He also testified that Social Gang produced rap music and part of rap culture is the use of guns and drugs.
Prosecutors also called a deputy medical examiner who determined that McCloud’s manner of death was a homicide and that he suffered two gunshot wounds — one to the chest and one to the back — and at least one of them was the fatal shot.
Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 20.