Emotional Shooting Victim Testifies, ‘I Still Feel Pain To This Day’

By Sofia Feigelson , Adrianna Bhan , Lindsay Mutzman - May 30, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

The 57-year-old victim of a shooting incident testified on May 30 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo and his alleged perpetrator. The victim expressed his terror and shock recalling the events, stating everything “happened so fast.”

Tyrone Astorias Johnson, 43, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with significant bodily injury while armed for allegedly firing multiple shots at the victim. The shooting occurred on Aug. 30, 2022 at a park on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, the victim told a detective that Johnson asked him for a cigarette, but the victim responded he did not have one. Johnson then allegedly removed a firearm from his waistband area and began firing at the victim.

At the hearing, the victim corroborated what he originally told police the day of the incident, claiming to have seen a black male, fire at him after asking him for a cigarette. Johnson was accompanied by a white female, believed to be his ex-girlfriend.

Throughout his testimony, the victim was visibly emotional. He did not look at the suspect while he was testifying. Instead, he was looking in the direction of the podium where the prosecutors and defense were asking questions.

According to the victim, he injured himself the day prior to the incident. While riding on a public bus, a door closed on his arm, and he sought hospital treatment. Later he headed back home by bus.

The victim stated that on his way home he went through the Starburst Plaza park, and noticed a man sleeping on a bench. Despite not knowing the man, the victim asked if he was okay. 

During the encounter, an individual, identified as Johnson, walked past the victim, but shortly after, turned back around and asked him for a cigarette, but he did not have one.

The victim testified that the shooter walked away from the victim, but at some point turned back around and said,“You think this is a joke.”

“I was surprised,” admitted the victim.

When questioned by the prosecution about the shooter’s tone of voice, the victim could not give a concrete answer,. “I was trying to help someone and then I got shot,” stated the victim. 

He testified the shooter and a woman take off towards the Pentacle Apartments, which has been corroborated by surveillance footage.

Defense attorney Joseph Fay questioned the victim on his eyesight, suggesting he may not have been able to accurately see who shot at him. The victim shared that his eyesight was fine.

As well, Fay clarified with the victim that he saw the suspect fire at him, in addition to confirming that he saw two individuals at the park, not including the man sleeping on the bench.

In the aftermath of the shooting, the victim told the court about the injuries he suffered and his difficult recovery process.

He had to spend a month in the hospital due to being shot in his legs and genitalia. Additionally, he received rehabilitation treatment as he had to completely relearn how to walk again. The victim also mentioned that he lost certain functions in his genitalia for a time, such as being unable to urinate.

“I still feel pain to this day,” stated the victim, adding that he continues to visit the doctor frequently.

Prior to his testimony, a urologist surgeon who operated on the victim at MedStar Washington Hospital after the shooting was called to the stand.

The surgeon described the serious injuries the victim suffered to his genitalia prior to corrective surgery.

According to the surgeon, the victim’s urethra, which acts as a tube critical for urination, had a large hole. In addition, he stated he performed an invasive procedure to repair the victim’s penis.

Trial is slated to resume May 31.