Details of Murder Revealed as Friends of Victim Testify

By Jai Bajaj [former] - December 13, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Dec. 12, family members and friends of a victim testified in a 2021 murder trial conducted by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Mussye Rezene, 31, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the death of 17-year-old Brayan Villatoro on the 1300 block of Nicholson Street, NW. 

Prosecutors called Villatoro’s sister for testimony. She said that her younger brother was a family person and regularly took care of her son when she was away. According to the sister, her brother had fallen in with a crowd that was a “bad influence.”

Rezene’s defense attorney, Jonathan Zucker, argued that Villatoro,”was running the streets.” Villatoro’s sister argued she was not aware of what her brother was doing.

Then Zucker showed the jury a picture of Villatoro posing with a firearm.

A friend who drove Villatoro to the murder location described the night of the murder saying he picked up Villatoro and four other who were going to a party in Maryland.

But Villatoro said he needed to buy Percocet’s, a prescription drug containing oxycodone, beforehand. The friend parked his car in an alley and Villatoro got out alone. Moments later they heard nearby gun shots and quickly drove away from the area. The friend said he called Villatoro multiple times but did not get an answer.

The friend said he did not know who Rezene was and had not seen him before.

In cross examination, Zucker cast doubt on the friend’s story because he was an admitted drug user which could have affected his memory. He also questioned the friend’s motives, arguing he immediately left the scene without checking on Villatoro. The friend said he was scared for Villatoro but also feared for his own life.

The prosecution called another friend of Villatoro’s who was in the car, but reluctant to testify. saying “if I don’t show up y’all come looking for me.” 

Prosecutors showed text messages between the friend and Villatoro on the day of the murder. In the messages they discussed meeting. The witness texted Villatoro, “Do I bring the shells for Chico or naw?,” Villatoro responded, “Yea.”

Prosecutors questioned what Villatoro said in the car before he got out and the witness said, “He said he was about to meet Moose and would be right back.”

In cross examination, Zucker brought up numerous differences between the witness’ testimony in court and his previous testimony to the grand jury.

Zucker said, “How is anyone supposed to know when you’re telling the truth?” The witness responded, “I took the oath.”

The witness said he had heard the name Moose around the neighborhood, and that Moose was a local rapper and had seen him before. He also said that he knew Moose knew Villatoro.

In redirect, prosecutors questioned why the witness kept looking at Rezene throughout his testimony. He said, “I think I seen everyone.” He proceeded to say, “That’s moose,” gesturing towards Rezene.

Parties will reconvene Dec 13.