Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.
By
Natalie Note [former]
- December 12, 2024
Daily Stories
|
Homicides
|
Suspects
|
Victims
|
During cross-examination, the defense pointed out apparent contradictions in an eyewitness’ testimony at different times during the investigation of a murder before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Dec. 11. At issue is whether the victim was involved in a home invasion.
Amard Jefferson, 33, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, and obstruction of justice. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Kendall Brown which occurred in the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE on Aug. 7, 2021.
In trial, defense attorney Jason Clark continued his cross examination of a prosecution witness who was in the apartment moments before Brown was shot and later interviewed by police that responded to the scene.
Clark asked the witness a series of questions pertaining to interviews that she gave to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) investigators and testimony that she provided to the Grand Jury.
In trial, the witness testified that Jefferson’s girlfriend, who rented the apartment, knew that the witness was coming over to retrieve the items that had been left in the apartment.
Clark then showed video footage of the witness’ interview with an MPD detective where she said the inhabitants of the apartment did not know of an anticipated visit. She also testified to this fact to the Grand Jury.
The defense has argued that Brown’s actions were part of a home invasion. The prosecution detailed a narrative that Brown and two of her friends arrived at the Nelson Place apartment to retrieve a bottle of tequila. The situation escalated when the homeowner, a former friend of Brown’s, claimed not to have it.
When faced with the contradiction, the witness said she was “in shock.”
“It was my truth in the moment,” she said.
The witness also testified that she did not see any MPD officers on scene mimicking where Brown had been shot or talking about her being injured. Clark then showed footage of the witness allegedly mimicking where Brown was shot and telling another witness who was at the scene she had seen an officer doing the same thing.
“The officer said she got shot right here,” she said in the video.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 12.