Emotions Raw at Mass Shooting Trial

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On July 11, there was emotional testimony during the second day of a double-homicide trial.

Jalen Browne, 21, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill, and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting on the 100 block of Q Street, NW, on July 25, 2021.

Out of the six victims at the scene, three were uninjured. However, Jovan Hill Jr, 22, and Tariq Riley, 19, suffered fatal wounds and later died at MedStar Hospital. A third victim, 22, suffered a gunshot wound to the lower back but survived.

Prosecutors called forth the injured victim and one of the individuals who was wasn’t hurt during the attack.

The wounded victim was asked to recount the events that took place on the day of the shooting and attempted to do so, but maintained he had a drug problem which impacted his memory.

“I be doing a lot of drugs, I be blacking out so you gotta help me out,” he told prosecutors on the stand.

The witness went so far as to say that he was high as he was testifying. He was able to confirm that he sustained a gunshot wound to his lower back but was able to get away.

Another prosecution witness recanted previous grand jury testimony despite being presented with portions of the transcript in court. The witness said, “That’s not what came out of my mouth.”

Family members of the victims were clearly distressed with the proceedings.

“[A lost life] is no joke. This is a sh*t show. This really can’t be real,” said one relative, after the jury was escorted out of the courtroom.

The trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun will continue on July 17.

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