Judge Finds Probable Cause in 2019 Murder Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 26, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a preliminary hearing June 25, a DC Superior Court judge found probable cause in a case where three men were murdered.

Rakeem Willis is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Sean Shuler, 26, Javon Abney, 26, and Tyrik Hagood, 24. The shooting occurred on Jan. 26 on the 1500 block of Fort Davis Place, SE.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department detective, who assisted the lead detective during the investigation, the suspect’s vehicle travelled toward the crime scene before the murder occurred and then in the direction of where police found a car burned shortly after the crime. Surveillence footage shows a similar vehicle approach and leave the crime scene around the time of the murder. 

Judge Dayna Dayson found probable cause on the basis that, during the time of the incident, the path of the suspect’s vehicle matched locations from Willis’ phone records. An eyewitness connected Willis to the phone, confirming that he used it before and after the murder, according to the detective.

During cross-examination, defense counsel argued that there was no clear evidence that Willis was the one who shot the men, pointing out that there were no unique features of the car to distinguish it from any other similar looking vehicle.

The defense also said the detective said there was no evidence confirming that Willis was actually the individual operating the vehicle. 

Willis’ fingerprints were not found on or in the vehicle, according to the detective. Instead, police found fingerprints that belonged to three other individuals, all of whom had criminal records. The names of the three individuals whose fingerprints were on the vehicle were not disclosed in open court.

The defense said there was nothing in the detective’s testimony or in court documents that provided any motive for Willis to harm the victims.  

Judge Dayson said, although the evidence is circumstantial and does not point to Willis pulling the trigger, the matching locations of the suspect’s vehicle and Willis’ phone records indicate that he was involved. 

However, Judge Dayson acknowledged that the prosecution’s argument was “not the strongest case” and that the physical evidence “was not overwhelming.”

In light of the prosecution’s weak case, defense counsel also requested Willis’ release to the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) so he would be able to work. 

Judge Dayson denied the request, saying there was “clear and convincing evidence” that no combination of release conditions would assure the safety of the community. Willis is being held without bond at DC Jail. 

Judge Dayson said she based her decision on Willis’ prior assault charges and gun offenses, as well as the nature of the murder. She also said Willis was a flight risk because of his prior attempt to evade police. 

According to court documents, police officers found all three victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Two of the victims were found inside of a vehicle. All three victims were pronounced dead on the scene. 

A felony status conference is scheduled on Sept. 25.