Judge Admonishes, Dismisses Sleeping Juror in Murder, Conspiracy Trial

By D.C. Witness Staff - April 11, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Juveniles | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

In a complex murder trial now entering its third month, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt vented her frustration at a frequently inattentive juror and then dismissed him. 

“We can’t afford another full day off from this trial,” stated Judge Brandt.  “During a month and change… he was sitting here napping,”  

One juror was previously dismissed for financial reasons.  That leaves the 12-member jury panel and four alternates. 

So far the prosecution has already introduced 68 witnesses, including many technical experts, to bolster their complex conspiracy case against three murder defendants. 

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020 on the 600 block of S Street, NW. The shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.  

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, Feb. 24, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy of the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

On April 10, the prosecution questioned an FBI agent about phone numbers allegedly connected to the defendants and other alleged conspirators. 

According to the witness, three of the five numbers, allegedly associated with the defendants, were located by cell towers in the general area of S Street, NW, at the time of Lukes’ homicide.  

Parties are slated to return April 11.