Judge Finds Probable Cause in 2023 Homicide Case 

By Sydnee Bridges [former] - August 10, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

On Aug. 10, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein held a preliminary hearing to determine if there’s probable cause Daniel Chapman should stand trial for his alleged involvement in a 2023 homicide case. 

Chapman, 35, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 43-year-old Antoine Ealey to death on July 22, on the 2300 Block of L’Enfant Square, SE. 

According to court documents, Chapman and Ealey were with friends at a car wash early the morning of the crime. Ealey, witnesses say, was acting erratically which triggered an argument in the group. Ultimately, Chapman kicked at Daley three times, and a fight broke out between the two.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified that shortly after the confrontation, surveillance footage shows Ealey running away with a dark spot on his shoulder that appeared to blood.

The detective said he recovered a knife from Chapman and the medical examiner confirmed that Ealey died from stab wounds. 

In cross examination, defense attorney Aubrey Dillon, questioned the detective about the group’s drug use. 

According to one of the witnesses, both Ealey and Chapman smoke K2, which is a synthetic form of cannabis and the side effects include erratic behavior as well as hallucinations. The two had allegedly smoked the day before and prior to the incident. 

Regarding the surveillance footage, Dillon stated that it was unclear how the fight started, and it appeared that Ealey punched Chapman first.

In the redirect, prosecutors highlighted that Chapman was not injured whereas Ealey trailed blood as he ran away. 

Defense attorneys countered that Chapman was the aggressor as he followed Ealey into the alley pursuing a confrontation.

Judge Epstein found probable cause that Chapman committed murder and set the trial date for Feb. 17, 2025.