‘If I Didn’t Comply, He Would’ve Shot Me,’ Says Mass Shooting Defendant

By Cameron Horne , Madelyn Nall - October 29, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A murder defendant, who was allegedly the getaway driver in a murder incident, claimed that he had no knowledge of the shooter’s intentions, stating “[I] thought I was about to buy some drugs,” during testimony in an Oct. 28 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Juan Peterson, 34, is charged with first degree murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree cruelty to children, and two counts of accessory after the fact while armed, all committed while on release, for his alleged role in a May 15, 2021 mass shooting on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Lester Howard, 28, was killed and three others were wounded in the incident.

Peterson testified that on the day of the incident, he believed he was going to purchase drugs from someone he had dealt with before stating that he “knew he had what I was looking for.” 

Believing this person was not a threat, Peterson testified, he left his firearm on the passenger seat of his personal vehicle while reaching for cash to consummate the deal. Turning back around, Peterson found his acquaintance allegedly holding Peterson’s gun and wearing a face mask.

“I thought he was going to rob me,” Peterson claimed.

Peterson stated that the man ran away from his car out of his line of sight. He affirmed hearing three to four gunshots, but that he could not see the gun or shooter as they rang out. The “trigger man” then returned to the car, saying “open the door” followed by “go, go, go, drive.”

“if I didn’t comply… he would’ve shot me.” testified Peterson. 

Peterson also testified that growing up in Northeast DC in a community nicknamed “Little Vietnam,” he was surrounded by drugs and guns, using and selling drugs himself as well as carrying his own firearm for personal protection nearly everyday.

In acknowledgement of his past convictions, Peterson described the process of drug deals and firearm trades, stating that it has to be quick and is often done through a handshake so that it “looks like a friendly gesture”. Furthermore, there is often little negotiation between parties, “you kinda know your clientele,” Peterson stated.

The prosecution asked Peterson about seeming inconsistencies in his testimony during cross examination– they produced text conversations revealing Peterson confirming purchases of multiple firearms at once despite Peterson’s claiming to only own one gun.

The prosecution also persisted in asking about Peterson’s failure to be forthcoming with police during the mass shooting investigation. 

Peterson stated that he lied to detectives investigating the homicide, telling them he didn’t know anything about the shooting or potential suspects asserting during testimony. He claimed he “froze up … [and] panicked” when talking to police.

“I didn’t want to openly admit to buying drugs … I wanted to get out of there,” Peterson told his attorney, Daniel Kovler, when asked why he lied to authorities for so long. 

Peterson’s trial will continue on Oct. 29.