Homicide Defendant’s Mother Testifies in 2021 Murder Trial

By Sadie Herman [former] - December 19, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Dec. 18, more witness testimony, including from a murder defendant’s mother was presented before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Mussye Rezene, 31, is 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 prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the death of 17-year-old Brayan Villatoro on Sep. 18, 2021, on the 1300 block of Nicholson Street, NW. 

The prosecution questioned a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective about the outfit worn by the suspect compared to Rezene’s attire. On the night of the murder, the person last seen with Villatoro on surveillance cameras was wearing gray jeans, a light colored top, and shoes with light colored laces. 

In the surveillance footage, the suspect goes into an alley with Villatoro, and then eventually gunshots are fired.

According to the prosecution, Rezene’s appearance in social media posts after the crime matches the description of the suspect’s clothing including the type of shoe he was wearing.

Next, the prosecution called Rezene’s mother to offer specific identifications of her son.  She also said she’s  frequently in contact with her son over the phone.

Under cross-examination by Rezene’s attorney, Jonathan Zucker, Rezene’s mother explained that the phone number her son had in 2021 is the same as it has always been. She explained in limited English that she and Rezene have always been on the same phone plan, meaning she was well aware of his phone number and to her knowledge, this was the only number her son had ever had.

Following her testimony, Rezene’s mother asked permission to say hello to her son, going over and planting a kiss on his hand. 

Lastly, the prosecution called up an MPD sergeant who was responsible for crime scene management the night of the murder. He explained there was a lot of physical evidence, such as shell casings from the shooting.

The prosecution asked if he found any weapons on Villatoro that night. The sergeant explained that he doesn’t recall finding one on the scene, but later learned Villatoro did, in fact, have a weapon on him at the time of his death. 

Additionally, the sergeant said he did not see any cameras in the alleyway where Villatoro was shot. However, he saw tire tracks imprinted with blood. The sergeant explained that there had to have been a good amount of blood pooled on the ground for a long time, in order to stain tire tracks.

During cross-examination, Zucker, questioned the sergeant about the lighting in the alleyway. The sergeant said the alley was well lit, and is not considered to be a “dark alley”. 

The parties are expected to reconvene Dec. 19.