Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.
By
Keirah Chen
- January 28, 2025
Court
|
Daily Stories
|
Homicides
|
Shooting
|
A defendant in domestic violence homicide was found guilty of all four charges against him by a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom, on Jan. 22.
Idrissa Fall, 37, was 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 convict, for shooting 29-year-old Dara Northern on July 18, 2021. The incident took place on the 6100 block of 4th Street, NW.
Northern was located inside her best friend’s vehicle on the 6800 block of 5th Street, NW.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution tried to prove that the shooting was premeditated, deliberate, and motivated. A few days before the shooting, according to the prosecution, Fall and Northern ended their relationship, causing Northern’s mother to ask Fall to move out of their house. The prosecution also said that he acquired a gun and easily disabled security cameras before following Northern out of the house.
The prosecution asserted Fall followed Northern to her best friend’s vehicle before shooting her through the passenger-side window. Fall and Northern were in a relationship but had gotten into several fights over Fall’s concern about Northern’s sexual orientation and alleged infidelity.
Prosecutors presented surveillance footage said to show Fall running from the vehicle after the shooting. This was consistent with Northern’s mother’s testimony, that she heard a gunshot, got out of bed, and looked out the window to see Fall fleeing the scene.
The jury found Fall guilty of all counts.
Judge Brandt set sentencing date for March 19.