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By
Allyson Nelles [former]
- May 5, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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A prosecution eyewitness testified about a homicide that took place in his friend’s apartment before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on April 30 and May 1.
Robert Carpenter, 36, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 42-year-old Tremaine Nicholson. The incident occurred on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE, on May 7, 2024.
One eyewitness testified that he and his wife had gone to their friend’s apartment so his wife could get her hair done. Two more people entered shortly after – Carpenter, who was the boyfriend of the apartment owner, and Nicholson, who was the previous romantic partner of the apartment owner with whom had a son.
The witness testified that Nicholson came barging in, sweating, pacing, and scanning the apartment looking for his son. The witness said that Nicholson seemed like he was high on PCP, with erratic and out of control behavior.
“I was afraid for everyone that was in the apartment,” stated the witness. Nicholson was yelling at his ex-partner, reiterating multiple times that he wanted his son, according to the witness. Eventually, Nicholson appeared to have calmed down, then unexpectedly lunged at his ex-partner, allegedly reaching for her neck.
The witness heard four shots ring out, and saw Nicholson fall to the ground.
The prosecution also called the wife of the first witness, who had been there to get her hair done. She testified about the same sequence of events that her husband did, reiterating that the apartment owner seemed frightened and fearful for herself and others in the apartment.
A forensic firearm and toolmark examiner testified to his ballistics report of the scene, affirming that the casings were consistent with those fired from the recovered firearm.
A forensic toxicologist who conducted the report for Nicholson testified that his Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was 0.28 at the time of death, three-and-a-half times the legal limit.
Finally, the prosecution called on a deputy medical examiner who conducted the autopsy for Nicholson. She testified to the gunshot wounds in his back, and one that pierced his tongue and shattered his teeth. She ruled the cause of death to be gunshot wounds, and the manner to be homicide.
The defense began their case with the mother of the ex-partner and apartment owner. She testified to her daughter’s abusive relationship with Nicholson, saying that he was physically violent with her and providing examples. She recalled moments that he had punched her, hit her, spit on her, given her a black eye, choked her, and threatened to kill her.
Parties are slated to reconvene May 5.