Judge Cites Prosecution’s, ‘Sloppy Negligence’

By Joseph Wolf , Alex Garcia Pecina - September 27, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt considered sanctioning a prosecutor about disclosing information on Sept. 26.

Jamal Coleman, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed, for his alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting on the 4600 block of Polk Street, NE on May 4, 2023. One individual sustained injuries to his hand.

According to court documents, a witness called for an ambulance for the victim who sustained a gunshot wound. Before the attack, video surveillance showed a black Chevy Impala pass the victim, who was walking in the same direction as the suspected car. Moreover, the video depicted the suspect vehicle turning around and waiting for the victim to get closer. The car pulled up to the victim, the front passenger window was rolled down, and an individual inside shot the victim and drove off.

Before the start of trial, Elizabeth Weller, one of Coleman’s attorneys, informed the court of a conversation that had not been disclosed to the defense–namely, the prosecution’s talking to the victim alongside an officer moments before the victim testified for a grand jury. 

The prosecution rebutted that they had provided the defense with information about the conversation. However, Weller disputed the claim.

“The government shot itself in the foot,” Judge Brandt said after hearing their arguments. She considered sanctioning the prosecution for, “sloppy negligence,” but only requested that the written disclosure be delivered to the defense by the end of the day.

During cross-examination of a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) station manager it was revealed that the victim said he did not know who shot him.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 30.