DC Superior Court Judge Jennifier Di Toro denied a shooting defendant’s motion to suppress identification evidence following a detective’s testimony in a hearing on June 9.
Shaqunda Reed, 32, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and carrying a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on March 2, 2024, on the 800 block of Florida Avenue, NW. No injuries were reported.
The lead detective testified he spoke with an eyewitness who saw the shooting from home and yelled to police about the incident through his window. Officers later found spent rounds at the scene.
On cross-examination, defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, pointed out that only one photograph was used to identify the suspect as the defendant. However, neither of the individuals in the frame can be identified clearly, according to Kopecki. Thus, the evidentiary photo was seriously flawed and unreliable, she argued.
The prosecution pointed out that since Reed was determined to be a suspect within an hour there was limited time for analysis, extensive photography, or gathering additional information.
Judge Di Toro noted that having only one photo present raises the potential for misidentification. However, under the high-stress circumstances of the moment she felt the evidence was admissible.
The judge also commented that the eyewitness demonstrated careful attention to detail and provided a description of the defendant.
The trial is scheduled to resume on June 10.
