Jurors View Interrogation Footage During Murder Trial

By Jay McDonald [former] - March 15, 2022
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Victims |

Prosecutors finished showing jurors the five-hour video of murder defendant Chad Hawthorne’s interrogation during the fifth day of his trial.

Hawthorne, 41, is accused of shooting 35-year-old Antonio Bassett in an apartment complex on the 3900 block of Pennsylvania Ave, SE, during the early hours of May 22, 2017. 

On March 14, the video resumed with the defendant questioning the detective’s knowledge of the history between him and Basset.

“Anybody would tell you I looked out for Basset,” Hawthorne said. “I did not have a bad relationship with Bassett. Bassett picked his fights and I do not.” 

“We understand you looked out for him from time to time but we know that you and Bassett had your issues,” the detective responded. “We found your spare key to your car in his backpack at the murder. Look, you have been around the block too many times. You knew someone in that apartment had your spare key.” 

Hawthorne maintained he had nothing to do with Bassett’s death.

“I can’t gain nothing from whooping someone’s ass. It will make me feel good for a sec. But after that I’m either hurting or in jail,” the defendant said.

The detective then told Hawthorne people were saying he killed Bassett in cold blood.

“Stop letting people tell your story,” the detective told him. “It’s either you’re a cold m*********** killing people or you defended yourself.”

The defendant took a long pause before asking the detective what he would do if he was in his shoes. 

“All I have done is look out and this is the thanks I get,” he said. “I just gave you money the other day and the day after that and you repay me by breaking into my car. One thing I can not stand is someone pretending to be something they are not.” 

Public defender Steven Kiersh crossed- examined the lead detective about the interrogation tactics the detective in the footage used. The lead detective admitted they lie or withhold certain information from the person they are interviewing.

“Do you think it is appropriate the way [the detective] conducted the interview? He was very vulgar and animated with my client,” said Kiersh

“We will always do what is best to solve a case,” the lead detective responded. “If we have to lie or withhold information, we will do that. If we have to be aggressive or sympathetic we will do that. We abide by the rules that are given and will continue to do so.” 

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled the proceedings to resume on March 15.