A defense attorney accused the prosecutor of altering security footage evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 13.
Tyrone Spencer, 44, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Francois Adkins on the 2300 block of 14th Street, NE, on Sept. 1, 2025. Adkins sustained gunshot wounds to his forehead, right thigh, left thigh, and right arm.
Spencer’s attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, said Spencer believed the prosecutors altered motion-activated security footage. O’Sullivan said it is “unique” to see people disappear out of frame suddenly.
Judge Brandt said accusing prosecutors of doctoring evidence is a “low blow,” and O’Sullivan needs to show proof of the tampering.
Spencer read a letter addressed to Judge Brandt that stated he was “framed.”
Prosecutors said O’Sullivan’s allegation is problematic because he argued “whatever [his] client wants without proof,” and it could have professional ramifications for prosecutors and detectives involved.
O’Sullivan also requested Spencer’s release, noting that a Virginia housing project has agreed to pay three months of rent and provide job placement assistance. Additionally, Spencer will be enrolled in a local drug and alcohol recovery center.
O’Sullivan said if Spencer is released in Richmond, VA he will not be a danger to the DC community because he has never committed a crime nor had “issues” with anyone there.
Prosecutors objected to Spencer’s release because the shooting he’s accused of occurred in broad daylight while he was on release for another unrelated matter.
Judge Brandt denied O’Sullivan’s request because of his criminal history, including aggravated assault with a firearm, escape from an institution, and a “menagerie” of prior drug convictions , and the public nature of the offense.
“Moving the potential harm to another jurisdiction is not being a good neighbor,” Judge Brandt said.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 14.
