Digital Records at Issue in Homicide Case

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On Jan. 26, during a detention hearing for Ernest Cleveland, prosecutors presented evidence showing the alleged murder suspect’s digital records which included text messages and screenshots before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Cleveland, 30, is charged with seven counts including first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill and possession of a gun during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 39-year-old Edward Pearson and the wounding of another individual on Nov. 26, 2020, on the 2900 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

The hearing continued with the defense recalling a witness from the Public Defender Service (PDS) who was unable to testify because of several technical difficulties in the presentation.

The prosecution resumed their review of specific sections of Cleveland’s digital cell phone records.

The information included screenshots of a Cash App mobile payment transaction involving a second presumed suspect in the shooting as well as potentially incriminating internet searches which included “suspects sight in Connecticut Ave” and “double shooting Connecticut Ave NW”.

Cleveland’s defense attorney, Madalyn Harvey, followed with a redirect during which the witness acknowledged that Cleveland did not have Cash App downloaded nor were any payments of his detected.

The next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 14.

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