‘Hold Him Responsible,’ Say Prosecutors in Closing Argument for 2020 Homicide Case

By Aubree Tomasetti [former] - October 11, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides |

On Oct. 11, parties delivered their closing arguments in a 2020 hit-and-run homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Eric Beasley, 32, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run that resulted in the death of 45-year-old David Farewell while he was riding his bicycle. The incident occurred on Sept. 4, 2020 on the 2100 block of Young Street, SE.

“The defendant, Eric Beasley, murdered David Farewell with a 3,000 pound weapon,” prosecutors stated in their closing argument. 

Prosecutors alleged Beasley had a clear motive for murder, as seconds before the incident occurred, Farewell confronted Beasley about Beasley’s allegedly following Farewell and his girlfriend out of the gas station.

Prosecutors displayed a video of Beasley allegedly hitting Farewell with his car, highlighting the sound of the vehicle accelerating after Farewell had been hit. The prosecution argued that Beasley would have immediately stopped or taken his foot off the gas if it was an accident. 

Prosecution emphasized Beasley’s conduct of dragging Farewell’s body out of the road and fleeing the scene, stating, “He didn’t want 911 there, if he did he would’ve made the call.” They ended their argument by asking the jury to hold Beasley “responsible” for his actions. 

In her closing argument, defense attorney Madalyn Harvey stated, “You have to consider what’s evidence and what’s just emotional.” Harvey argued the prosecution had mostly discussed uncontested evidence and emphasized how this was not enough to prove Beasley’s guilt. 

Harvey argued the automobile mechanical expert testified there were no mechanical issues with the vehicle, but failed to examine human error as a possibility. In addition, Harvey emphasized the medical examiner’s testimony that the incident could have been an accident.

Harvey stated the prosecution had not conducted enough research and should have obtained an expert opinion on the footage of the incident to determine the speed of the vehicle and how far it traveled.  

Ending her argument, Harvey stated, “It would be a tragedy for an innocent man to be convicted of murder.”

During their rebuttal, prosecutors remarked on how the two biggest pieces of evidence, the car and bike, were not at the scene because Beasley fled with both. They alleged Beasley proved to have a “consciousness of guilt” through his actions, including discarding the bike after fleeing the scene. 

The jury is expected to start deliberations on Oct. 12.