Case Acquitted: Judge Presides over Motion Hearing For Murder Defendant

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Sutton was acquitted of murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence on March 23, 2023.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun heard arguments from both parties regarding a motion filed by the prosecution.

Kaevon Sutton, 21, is charged with first-degree murder in the alleged shooting death 22- year-old Aujee Tyler on March 19, 2018, on the 3500 block of Stanton Road, SE. Other charges include possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license.

Judge Okun heard arguments regarding the prosecution’s motion for reconsideration of a previously denied motion to exclude expert testimony.

The prosecution’s previous motion asked for only part of the expert witness’s testimony to be excluded. The prosecution’s new motion asks for the entirety of the potential expert witness’s testimony to be excluded.

The prosecution argued that the witness is not qualified to give opinions on an individual’s physical reactions and neurological condition when under stress, which is why the defense seeks to call him. The prosecution also argued that the potential witness and the defense have not provided any notes or reports that he used to form his opinion

Sutton’s defense attorney, Joseph Wong, argued that the potential witness’s knowledge in the general field of neuropsychology is enough to allow him to give his expert opinion. Wong also said the potential witness would testify to general behavior under stress rather than Sutton’s specific state of mind at the time.

Defense attorney Jessica Willis is slated to take over for Wong starting next week.

Judge Okun stated that he will not rule on the motion for reconsideration during this hearing and will release a written order later.

A motion hearing is currently scheduled for July 21.

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