Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide Case 

By Nick Pallotto [former] - November 15, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Nov. 14, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found the prosecution established probable cause in a homicide case.

Damion Brown, 24, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 21-year-old Jordan Coates on the 1200 block of Duncan Place, NE, on Sept. 9. 

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to an incident where they located Coates who suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was soon taken to Washington Hospital Center where she succumbed to her injuries.

During the hearing, Brown’s defense attorney, William Alley, resumed his cross-examination of an MPD detective involved in the homicide investigation.

The detective testified about three doorbell security footage clips, stating there was never a point in any of the clips where Brown was seen on camera pulling a gun on Coates.  

He confirmed there was a 30-second gap in the footage before and after the shooting and there was no footage that recorded gunfire.

However, the detective told Alley that Brown was allegedly holding a handgun at the doorstep of a relative’s house mere feet away from the murder scene. 

When asked about Coate’s behavior leading up to the shooting, the detective confirmed Coates, who was acquainted with Brown, had a history of showing up at Brown’s relative’s apartment unannounced, and that she had a history of mental health issues.

According to the detective, MPD received a call for a noise complaint at Duncan Place about two or three hours before the shooting. 

The detective said that when officers arrived, they interviewed people living in the apartment complex but they couldn’t tell who filed the noise complaint.

In closing arguments, Alley said he wanted Judge Demeo to focus on the unsubstantiated 911 calls and Coates’ unfortunate mental health problems in finding whether or not there is probable cause. 

Additionally, Alley asked Judge Demeo to consider the history of Coates’ alleged harassment and stalking before the shooting though he did not show any evidence of the complaints.

In conclusion, Alley said Brown had earned his high school diploma and has a mentor from high school who has helped him out, and he has worked a previous job in construction.

“He has shown that he won’t be a danger to the community,” Alley said.

In finding probable cause, Judge Demeo said Brown had allegedly committed this offense while on a GPS monitor.

She also said he has prior criminal convictions for possession of a controlled substance in an unrelated case, robbery while armed, kidnapping, and possession of a firearm in the current case.  

Judge Demeo acknowledged Brown has a history of depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues, “there is no condition or set of conditions that would ensure the safety of the community”.

Parties are expected back on Jan. 25.