Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide Case

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On May 2, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found probable cause to charge Tre’quan Nelson in connection with a homicide.

Nelson, 23, is accused of first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting that claimed 34-year-old Delonte King’s life on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW.

Judge O’Keefe stated that based on the evidence provided to the court, Nelson was one of the two individuals who committed the murder.

According to court documents, Nelson and Demonte Gibson, 26, who’s also been charged in the case, were seen approaching King at the intersection of 14th Street and Girard Streets the day of the incident, an interaction caught on surveillance footage. A witness heard one of the individuals say words equivalent to “You see this right here?” before firing six to eight gunshots in King’s direction and running away.

Nelson’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, argued prosecutors did not meet the threshold of probable cause because no evidence shows that Nelson possessed a gun.

Winograd said his client’s being at the crime scene does not show he shot King.

Judge O’Keefe insisted the standard of probable cause was met by prosecutors, saying the autopsy report showed King was shot with two different guns. He also stated that the defendants were identified in surveillance footage to police, and there were no other people near where the shell casings were found.

Judge O’Keefe stated the defendant would remain held at DC Jail to ensure the community’s safety as he awaits trial.

Parties are expected back for a felony status conference with DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 26.

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