Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.
By
Brigette Bagley
- April 4, 2025
Court
|
Daily Stories
|
Homicides
|
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied two homicide co-defendants’ requests for acquittal of a conspiracy charge following the prosecution’s presentation of evidence in a hearing on April 3.
Demonte Gibson, 27, and Asani Forte, 27, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property for their alleged involvement in the murder of Delonte King, 34, on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. Gibson is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.
Tre’quan Nelson, 25, was recently severed as a defendant in this case. However, his actions were still mentioned in the hearing.
Gibson’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, said the prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was a plan to kill King, dismissing the conspiracy charge.
Forte’s defense attorney, Susan Ellis, emphasized there was no communication between Nelson, Forte, or Gibson before or after the incident. Further, she argued that the prosecution couldn’t prove that the voice captured on security camera, was Forte’s, identifying him as a “lookout” for Nelson and Gibson.
Nonetheless, Judge Brandt denied the motion, stating that the prosecutors made a compelling argument that there was a plan to kill King with video showing there was communication among all parties in an apartment complex parking lot just hours before King was gunned down in broad daylight.
“Conspiracy can be complicated to prove, but this one is clear,” she said.
Judge Brandt explained conspiracy cases don’t necessarily have to involve texting, emailing, or speaking. They can be unspoken behaviors like wearing a certain color or standing in some specific spot on the sidewalk.
The only exception to the charges that Judge Brandt noted was the destruction of property count, which says “in the fine print” that individuals had previous knowledge or intention of the damage. However, Forte and Gibson claim they didn’t know there was damage until the trial began.
Judge Brandt said a jury will likely not see this charge as “viable” to the case.
Parties are slated to reconvene on April 7.