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By
Rohan Naval [former]
, Carolyn Flammini [former] - February 15, 2024
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Homicides
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On Feb.14, D.C Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause in a vehicular homicide case from 2023.
Andre Johnson, 30, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of 19-year-old Madison Jones on June 8, 2023, at the intersection of 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, the investigation revealed that a 2005 Ford Focus entered an intersection with a green signal light, at the same time that a 2017 Mercedes C300, traveling eastbound, entered the intersection with a red signal light.
The Mercedes struck the driver’s side of the Ford, causing an adult female rear seat passenger on the driver’s side of the Ford to be ejected. The two occupants of the Mercedes fled the scene on foot.
During the hearing, the prosecution called on the lead detective who is part of MPD’s Major Crash Division Unit.. The detective discussed surveillance footage, police reports, and pre-crash data gathered from the Mercedes.
Video evidence presented showcases a crash happening at the above location, with a suspect fleeing on foot. A second set of video footage showed a man, alleged to be Johnson, speaking on the phone after leaving the car at the intersection.
Pre-crash data, which showed the speed of the car before and during the accident, was presented to speak to the alleged actions of the defendant.
The defense raised numerous objections, the first centered around the investigation process. The defense questioned the officer about allegations that Johnson was intoxicated during the incident. These claims stem from a tip given to MPD from a member of Johnson’s family that he “was drinking earlier in the day.”
Additional arguments were raised in relation to pre-crash data retrieved from the car. The detective was asked to explain the connection of the data to the defendant’s actions, which he was not able to do.
The defense lawyer, Kevann Gardner, labeled claims arising from the data as ”total nonsense”.
The prosecution’s arguments for probable cause rested on the alleged high-speed of Johnson’s car during the incident, which they argued showed “disregard for surroundings.” The defense rebutted, positing that the prosecution has not explained the evidence. They also stated that certain pieces of evidence, such as witnesses, are not reliable.
Upon hearing both arguments, the judge granted probable cause in this matter. However, he stated that the evidence presented “does not meet [the standard of evidence] beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The judge chose to continue detention for Johnson, stating that he “could not guarantee his appearance” given a previous history of bench warrants. The victim’s mother was also present at the hearing, and argued for his detention.
The next hearing is set for April 19.