Did A Murder Defendant Kill His Cousin Over A Fight?

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 15, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During the start of trial on July 15, a DC Superior Court judge said a 2015 murder case could be an example of a defendant killing a witness to avoid damaging testimony being put on the record.

Gary Proctor is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol outside a home or business and unlawful possession of ammunition for allegedly shooting his cousin Jerome Diggs, 42. The crime took place on 1300 block of First Street, SW on July 27, 2015.

According to court documents, Proctor, 41, and his father got into an altercation with Diggs’ and his nephew at a picnic 16 days before the murder. A witness said the nephew was beaten badly and was hospitalized. 

Diggs’ sister, and the mother of his nephew, allegedly sent threatening texts to both Proctor and his father. 

The defendant’s father filed a Civil Protection Order (CPO) against Diggs’ sister after she allegedly sent the texts.

The order was never filed. 

Judge Dayna Dayson said the statements from the witness about Diggs allegedly being paid off by the defendant to not testify could be considered an issue in trial.