The friend of a fatal stabbing victim, a domestic violence expert, and a forensic science expert testified before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on July 27.
Rayvon Slye, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 30-year-old Andrea Bond on March 7, 2023 on the 1100 block of D Street, NE. Bond sustained one stab wound to her left upper chest.
According to court documents, Bond and Slye had a romantic relationship and shared one child together.
The prosecution called Bond’s friend to testify, who was subpoenaed to appear in court on July 24, but failed to appear. US Marshals executed an arrest warrant for the witness’ testimony.
In her testimony, she described Bond as a “very good friend,” who she spoke to briefly over the phone the night prior to Bond’s death. Bond’s friend recounted that Bond sounded “aggravated” that night and said Slye was “getting on her nerves.”
Bond’s friend testified that a few days before her death, Bond spent the night at her house. That night, the witness said Bond had collapsed, was unconscious, and was foaming at the mouth. Bond’s friend testified that they drank wine together but consumed no other substances.
The witness said she then called her cousin, a registered nurse, who administered a shot of Narcan, which helped Bond regain consciousness.
Bond’s friend also testified that the following day, Slye and his friend showed up to the witness’ house. The witness reported that Bond followed a previously agreed-upon plan to pretend that she was not there if Slye appeared.
When asked why the plan was made, Bond’s friend responded, “because he was abusive.” Bond’s friend also recalled a previous occasion when she saw Bond with a “busted lip” after she had been with Slye.
Slye’s attorney, Kevin Mosley, challenged Bond’s friends’ testimony and alleged the two had used drugs the night she collapsed. The witness confirmed that she told police they didn’t use drugs but also didn’t object to her cousin using Narcan at the scene.
Mosley also questioned how close Bond and the witness were and the timeline of their relationship. Mosley confirmed with the witness that they reconnected in March 2023, the month of the incident, after two years of no contact.
Mosley emphasized that Bond’s friend testified before a grand jury in 2024 that the last night she saw Bond was March 21, 2023. However, Bond was found deceased on March 7. Bond’s friend said she did not remember telling the grand jury that date.
Mosley inquired about Bond’s reported tendency to decline medical attention. In the prosecution’s redirect examination, Bond’s friend stated that she did not remember any similar occasions and that the busted lip was the most serious injury she saw Bond endure.
Without the jury present, parties also discussed the admissibility of testimony from the prosecution’s domestic violence expert.
Slye’s other attorney, Kayla Wyatt, said that the witness’ testimony was not relevant because she was a “blind witness” with no prior knowledge regarding Slye and Bond’s relationship.
In response, the prosecutor stated that the witness was needed to explain domestic violence and “why a victim may stay,” to the jury. Judge Dayson found the expert’s testimony relevant and overruled the defense’s objection.
The prosecution’s domestic violence expert testified that domestic violence has physical and sexual aspects.
She stated that in a domestic violence relationship, “one member exerts a large amount of power and control.” The expert called that member an “abuser.” She testified to the different strategies abusers use in relationships with domestic violence.
The witness stated that in these relationships, it is “very complicated” for victims to leave. She claimed that it can take “seven or eight attempts to leave an abusive relationship.”
“Our desire to be loved and to love, it is fundamental,” the expert stated.
In cross-examination, Wyatt reaffirmed that the expert is a blind witness. The witness stated that she knew nothing about the case and was only present to testify to domestic violence in general.
A witness from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), who aided in examining the crime scene after being notified of a potential stabbing, was called to the stand.
The forensic scientist described 37 pictures of the crime scene that the prosecution presented, which included images of suspected bloodstains found on clothing, the floor, and the couch, along with identification paperwork.
After the jury was excused, parties discussed the possibility of recalling Bond’s friend, emphasizing that she remained under subpoena. They discussed whether she should undergo a drug test.
Bond’s friend’s attorney said he has a way to contact the witness, who is homeless, if she is recalled by Judge Dayson.
Judge Dayson said this issue will be resolved at the next court date. Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 28.
Coauthors: Piper Geore, Cole Baker, Leanna Joju, Shruthi Nadathur, and Vrinda Jhingan
