FBI Agent, Forensic Crime Scene Specialist Among Prosecution’s Witnesses in Murder Trial

By Lizzie Brennan [former] , Carlin Fisher [former] - July 9, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

The prosecution called four witnesses to testify at a murder trial on July 8.

Nyekemia Everett, 35, and Malik Hewitt, 41, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 37-year-old Christopher Heard on April 27, 2017, on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE. The prosecution alleges that the two defendants plotted to rob and kill Heard, who was selling the drug PCP to make money after having recently been released from jail. They allege that Everett shot Heard, while Hewitt acted as the getaway driver.

Among the prosecution’s witnesses was a forensic crime scene specialist with the Department of Forensic Services (DFS). But before she took the stand, Judge Neal Kravitz informed the jury that the Office of the Inspector General has an ongoing criminal investigation into the DFS. Judge Kravitz said the competency of the DFS firearms examination unit is being questioned after ballistic evidence in a different murder case was mishandled. The DFS lost its accreditation in April and remains unaccredited today.

The prosecution showed surveillance footage of two men, who they believe to be the defendants, driving a black BMW after the shooting. The prosecution went on to show photos taken by the DFS witness, including one that showed a firearm inside the car’s glove compartment.

An FBI agent who specializes in cell phone technology testified that both defendants’ phones utilized cell towers near a 7-Eleven convenience store on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Avenue, SW, at around 5:30 a.m., less than two hours after gunfire detection technology alerted police of shots fired, according to court documents. 

The prosecution presented surveillance footage of a 7-Eleven parking lot, which shows two men believed to be the defendants pulling up in a black car at that time. A witness who works as a regional assistant supervisor for 7-Eleven stores in the DMV area confirmed that this was the same 7-Eleven. 

The FBI witness also testified that both defendants’ cell phones utilized cell towers close to the crime scene around the time of the shooting.

The jury trial is set to resume on July 9. 

Hewitt is also charged with possession of a firearm during an act of violence, felony murder while armed and conspiracy in this case. 

Everett is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, fleeing a law enforcement officer, attempt to commit robbery while armed, conspiracy and obstructing justice.