Expert Links Shell Casings to Murder Defendant’s Gun

By D.C. Witness Staff - March 8, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a jury trial, an expert linked shell casings collected from a crime scene to a gun found in a murder defendant’s car.

Kimberly Thompson is charged with first-degree murder while armed, among other offenses, for his alleged role in the shooting death of 57-year-old Charles Mayo on the 1900 block of Bennett Place, NE in 2015.

A firearms expert told the jury March 7 that he believes two 9mm cartridge casings from the crime scene have ballistic marks that are consistent with being fired from the handgun found in the trunk of 53-year-old Thompson’s car.

According to court documents, police found nine casings in the area of the shooting, although, only two were located in close proximity to where police believed the victim was standing when he was shot.

However, the defense said that although the casings were found at the scene, it is unknown what type of bullet was used to shoot Mayo. Defense counsel said it can’t be proven that the bullets allegedly fired from Thompson’s gun were the same ones that caused Mayo’s death.

The trial is scheduled to continue on March 11.