Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide Case–Just Barely

By Kasey Nguyen [former] , Jai Bajaj [former] - October 28, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Victims |

On Oct. 26 DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause in a homicide defendant’s case. 

Lamar Wright, 19, is charged with one count of first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 27-year-old Derrick Thomas on May 2 on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, SE. 

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, when officers arrived at the scene of the crime, they found that Thomas’ brother was with him, also suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg, but survived. 

The prosecution called the lead MPD detective to testify, and he identified Wright as the suspect. He testified that the shooting occurred at the intersection of Condon Terrace and Yuma Street at approximately 7:24 p.m. 

According to the detective, an MPD officer who was responding to a separate case nearby heard gunshots and explained to the detective that he saw a white sedan pull away from the crime scene. He noted that the only description of the alleged suspects was that they were “all Black” and wearing “masks.” 

The prosecution provided 28 segments of surveillance footage depicting the day before the shooting occurred and the day of the shooting. In the footage, men are seen entering and exiting an apartment building. On the day of the shooting, one man is seen attempting to conceal the camera in front of the door to their apartment. 

Others are visible entering and exiting a white sedan multiple times. Wright is alleged to have been in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. 

The MPD detective testified two witnesses gave statements to MPD officers explaining they saw two men wearing masks get out of the back of the vehicle, shoot at Thomas and the surviving victim, then get back into the vehicle and flee the scene of the crime. 

Wright’s defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, argued that Wright is not the alleged shooter as surveillance footage shows him entering and exiting the front passenger seat, rather than the back of the vehicle. When the white sedan arrives back at the apartment, Wright is seen getting out of the front passenger seat again. Smith asserted that the defendant was never a suspect until MPD came upon the video of the defendant at the apartment.

In addition, Smith found that Wright and Thomas “seemed friendly” with the two appearing in a YouTube video together.  

The prosecution acknowledged there is a 19-minute gap in the footage after the crime occurred. Therefore, they think Wright could have been one of the two alleged shooters, regardless of his being in the front passenger seat in the white sedan.

The prosecution argued that the defendant could have “easily gone to the front” of the vehicle after the shooting during the missing footage before he’s seen exiting the front passenger seat when the white sedan arrives back at the apartment.

Judge Okun decided there were grounds for probable cause. He said it was close and decided by, “the skin of the teeth.”

He agreed with Smith that the evidence presented, “required speculation,” however he believed the video showing Wright entering and exiting the car allegedly involved in the homicide was enough for probable cause.

After the ruling Smith argued that the defendant should be released on personal recognizance and be placed on home confinement. Wright’s mother could house him and Smith argued that he is not a present danger and does not pose a flight risk. She cited that he has no previous criminal past and has been cooperative with authorities.

Judge Okun agreed, however Wright does not qualify for release because he has a pending hearing on Oct. 27 for possession of a firearm related to this case.

The parties are set for the next hearing on Oct. 30