Judge Denies Motion for Mistrial in Shooting Case

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

A shooting defendant’s request for a mistrial was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Aug. 1.

Deon Cannon, 29, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, unlawful possession of ammunition and eight counts of destruction of property of less than $1000.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in an incident on Sept. 5, 2021, on the 2700 block of Terrace Road, SE. Two individuals sustained life-threatening injuries during the shooting.

According to court documents, video surveillance footage from the scene shows an individual, later identified as Cannon, shooting twice at two victims. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the incident and arrested him.

Jonathan Lanyi, Cannon’s defense attorney, filed a motion for mistrial after an MPD officer trained in crime scene investigation testified about ballistics.

During his testimony, the officer spoke about flagging shell casings found at the scene. The prosecution played his body worn camera which showed the casings being marked on the ground in the street and near the door of the scene.

After the witness’ testimony concluded, Lanyi filed a mistrial because the prosecution showed an edited video of shell casings in two different areas.

He said the prosecution disregarded the conspiracy charge indicating there were multiple shooters involved in the incident, because the testimony made appear Cannon was the only shooter.

Lanyi also said he was “confused” by the testimony and said the witness had “limited” crime scene training.

Judge Brandt ruled against his motion stating Lanyi was the only one who is confused and the prosecution was showing where different shell casings were located..

Another MPD officer testified on arresting Cannon after Cannon took off running, which led to a foot chase where he hid behind a bush..

Another officer testified a police dog found a gun in the bush where Cannon previously hid.

Still another officer said, Cannon did not have any firearm registered in his name, or a license to carry.

In body-worn camera footage the day of the shooting, Cannon was asked to provide his name and date of birth. He first identified himself as “Delonte Taylor” and allegedly gave the officer a fake date of birth saying he was born in 1997.

The officer testified he didn’t find out Cannon’s actual identity until they were in the patrol car.

Parties are set to return Aug. 5 to continue trial.