DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt declared a mistrial on May 27 after the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict for a defendant accused of aiding and abetting a mass shooting.
Cotey Wynn, 45, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting at CRU Lounge, on the 1300 block of H Street, NE on Sept. 23, 2023. The shooting resulted in the death of 31-year-old Blake Bozeman and injuries to three surviving victims.
In the trial that started on May 12, prosecutors attempted to prove Wynn facilitated the shooter’s entry into the club with the firearm. The prosecutors claimed Wynn’s special privileges as the reported “king of H Street,” allowed him and individuals he associated with to bypass security protocols.
Wynn’s attorneys, Brian McDaniel and Randy McDonald, argued their client was innocent and did not have anything to do with the shooting. The defense asserted the case was speculative with no powerful proof of Wynn’s involvement.
After less than four days of deliberations, the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict and Judge Brandt granted the defense request for a mistrial.
The parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 5 to discuss how prosecutors will proceed.
