Victim Killed in Crossfire After Robbery

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 20, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On July 19, during a preliminary hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide. 

Demarcus Barnett, 20, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 62-year-old Lasanta McGill on June 8, 2023, on the 1900 block of 7th Street NW. 

In court, prosecutors presented surveillance footage recovered from a liquor store allegedly showing Barnett being robbed at gunpoint by two unknown suspects. The video showed Barnett was hit in the face twice by a gun during the robbery, with blood visible on the floor.

Additional footage presented in court shows Barnett allegedly drawing a handgun while leaving the store, firing at the suspects and striking McGill, who was caught in the middle of an exchange of gunfire between Barnett and the robbers.

Following the shooting, an officer allegedly saw Barnett hiding a handgun in a bush near the scene and arrested him.

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about events seen in the surveillance footage and explained the injuries the victim sustained. 

During a recorded interview with police Barnett allegedly stated, “I was hurting, and I wanted to hurt them” referring to the robbers.

Defense attorney Steven Ogilvie questioned the detective about the casings recovered from the scene, concerned that the robbery suspects may have shot McGill during the exchange of gunfire. 

According to the detective, McGill’s injuries were consistent with the direction of Barnett’s line of fire.

When arguments concluded, Judge Raffinan determined that the prosecutor demonstrated probable cause for second-degree murder and denied a defense request to release Barnett based on his criminal history with assault and firearms.

Barnett will remain detained as he awaits trial and sentencing in another gun matter.

Parties are set to reconvene  on Sep. 14 before Judge Raffinan.