Preliminary Hearing Starts in Homicide Case

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Detective begins testimony during an Aug. 10 preliminary hearing. 

De Andre Brewer, 25, is charged with first degree murder while armed in connection to the fatal shooting of 41-year-old Douglas Jerome Johnson in the 4800 block of North Capitol Street, NE on April 6 at around 10:21 a.m. According to court documents, Brewer was arrested in a stop near the crime scene at around 10:39 a.m.

During the preliminary hearing on Aug 10, the prosecution called a detective from the homicide branch of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who led the investigation. According to the detective, Brewer’s clothing at the time of the arrest matches witness’s descriptions of the shooter. 

The prosecutor also showed photos taken from surveillance video showing an individual wearing the same clothing as the defendant at the time he was arrested. 

During cross examination, defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, emphasized the discrepancies between witness testimonies. 

The detective said the “descriptions were largely consistent.” 

Smith also brought up Johnson’s extensive criminal record, including his many domestic disputes and protective orders. According to the DC Court, Johnson was convicted of carrying a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of ammunition in 2018.


Parties were not able to finish the preliminary hearing on Aug 10. DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled the proceedings to resume on Aug 11.

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