‘Even Though Mr. Pinkney Was Not The Shooter, It’s Pretty Cold Blooded to Stand There Watching,’ Says Judge

By Radhakund Ramnarine - August 19, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A suspect accused of murder in a domestic violence case appeared in an Aug. 15 hearing before DC Superior Court of Judge Rainey Brandt,

On March 19, 33-year-old Isaac Pinkney was arrested in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 13, 2023 on the 1300 block of Valley Place, SE.

“Even though Mr. Pinkeny was not the shooter, it’s pretty cold blooded to stand there watching– one could argue that it is equally as cold blooded,” said Judge Brandt.

Officers located 24-year-old Jireh Emanuel Martinez suffering from multiple gunshot wounds eventually dying at the scene. Represented by Carrie A. Weletz, Pinkney was charged with first degree murder while armed and felony murder while armed although someone else is said to have pulled the trigger.

The defense argued that surveillance videos and snapshots are too vague and blurry for accurate identification of a suspect.

In addition the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) never recovered weapons from Pickney or a plastic bag that he allegedly took from the victim. 

An MPD officer testified he allegedly identified the defendant in person, on camera, and in pictures. According to the officer the suspect says,”Give it to me, give it to me, multiple times and the gunshot fires and the decedent falls to the ground.”

The Prosecutor argued Pinckney participated in an armed robbery that led to the death of the decedent. “He pulls out a gun and there are seconds that have passed and passed and Mr. Martinez doesn’t do anything,” according to the prosecutor.

The Defense argued that Pinkney was very forthcoming in his statements and had no plan to commit a robbery or a murder–“it seems happenstance,” as he was in the area to buy weed. They claim that they do not have enough underlying evidence to prove premeditation or motive. “They knew each other and had issues with each other” but there was no evidence that Pickney and the shooter had a prior relationship, said the defense.

“If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, chances are it is a duck,”Judge Brandt said after considering the arguments. She said, the court had no reason to believe that the detective’s testimony was anything but credible.

The video allegedly shows Pinkney rummaging through the victim’s bag as the shooter held a gun to his forehead. Therefore the court ruled that although Mr Pickeny wasn’t the shooter himself, he is still just as responsible.

According to Judge Brandt, “Mr.Pickney didn’t use force or violence but his partner did– in for a penny out for a pound…he and the shooter were acting in consort. The evidence shows the shooter had the gun and Pickney took the property.

Given the severity of the crime Judge Brandt ruled that Pinckney remain in custody despite his being a family man and a former special police officer.

The defendant’s felony status conference is scheduled for Dec. 13