Judge Rules on Gang Affiliated Social Media Posts Ahead of Murder Trial

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DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled on whether various social media images intended to prove gang affiliation are admissible in an upcoming murder trial during a hearing on Nov. 6.

Tony Morgan, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and conspiracy, for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident on the 3500 Block of Wheeler Road, SE, on Oct. 20, 2018, which resulted in the death of 19-year-old Malik McCloud

Judge Raffinan affirmed her ruling that images need to show that Morgan is affiliated with “Solid Gang” and with Martinez Raynor, 24, a co-defendant who was severed from Morgan’s case, to be admissible and not prejudicial. 

Judge Raffinan ruled that among the admissible images, redactions need to be made. For example, Judge Raffinan ordered the removal of marijuana joints, guns, money, and the statements “drug dealers” and “f*** da opps,” which were part of captions associated with the images.

Motions concluded and trial is set for Nov. 12.