Expert Confirms Victim’s Cause of Death During Murder Trial

By Bersabel Ephrem [former] - January 12, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

On Jan. 11, the third day of a murder trial, a forensic pathologist confirmed the victim’s cause of death.

Clifton Browne, 58, is charged with second-degree murder in connection to the deadly beating of 76-year-old Luther Brooks on the 1300 block of Kalmia Road, NW on Sept. 27, 2021. Browne was the nephew of Brooks’ landlord’s close friend. 

During cross examination by Joseph Fay, Browne’s defense attorney, an expert from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that Brooks died from an inability to breathe due to fractured ribs.

The expert said she could clearly see blunt force injury to the victim’s head, right side of his neck, ribs, arms and hands.

“Could these type of injuries be caused by a fall from a sitting position?” the prosecutor asked.

“This would unlikely be caused by a fall from a seated position,” she replied.

The expert also noted that the victims injuries were not constant with a fall from a flight of stairs. “It would have to be 50 stairs and the surface of the stairs would also have to be taken into account.”

According to a 911 call, played in court on Jan. 10, the victim’s landlord told a dispatcher Brooks fell down the stairs. The witness later said she lied.

A close friend of the victim’s landlord, who suggested her nephew Browne assist with the home renovations, said she and the defendant visited the landlord’s home the day before the incident.

When questioned about the tenant and victim’s relationship, she said she was unaware of any issues between them. However, she said there had been tension between them a few months before the incident because the tenant asked Brooks to leave so she could sell the house.

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled the trial to resume on Jan. 12.