Homicide Defendant Said He Carried Gun in School Because, 'It's Dangerous'

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The defendant in a fatal-shooting case became emotional during his testimony before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman’s courtroom on March 5.

Daquan Gray, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the murder of 15-year-old Jaylyn Wheeler on May 16, 2018 on the 600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

Gray’s attorney, Dana Page, called Gray as a witness. He explained that he had left school with a friend when they bumped into one of his childhood friends. That friend had expressed interest in fighting another kid they knew, so a group of around 10 people went to watch the fight.

During the fight, Wheeler allegedly said to Gray, “B**** if you got your [gun], you’d better use it,” while reaching for his waistband. Gray testified he panicked, fearing what would happen to him, and shot at Wheeler. He had no knowledge if the shots hit Wheeler and never intended to kill Wheeler, he cried.

In their cross, the prosecution questioned if Gray and Wheeler had ever had any issues, but he stated they barely knew each other and Gray had never seen Wheeler with a firearm. During the fight, Wheeler allegedly grabbed Gray’s friend and involved himself in the melee. Gray claimed he pushed him away, which was when Wheeler reached into his waistband.

When asked about the gun, Gray explained he got it from a random man because “it’s dangerous” to live in the city. He testified he would take it with him to school, where he’d hide it in a nearby dumpster until the schoolday ended. When he shot the gun at Wheeler, he didn’t even know if the gun would work as he’d never shot it before. While fleeing, Gray dropped the gun under a tarp in a nearby yard.

Gray’s other attorney, Hanna Perry, then called a witness who had extracted Wheeler’s phone after he died. According to her record, Wheeler had five photos between Jan. 25 and April 10, 2018 showing him with various firearms. There were also multiple text messages Wheeler had sent implying his possession of guns.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 6.

Homicide Defendant Said He Carried Gun in School Because, ‘It’s Dangerous’