Before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park, a jury acquitted a homicide defendant on all charges except unlawful possession of a firearm on March 9.
Christopher Tyler, 48, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and first-degree burglary for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Nolan Edwards, 34. The incident occurred in an apartment complex on the 4000 block of Ames Street, NE on July 7, 2023.
Prosecutors argued that Tyler allegedly entered Edwards’ apartment and murdered him. Edwards grew marijuana in his apartment and they claimed Tyler killed him for access to “money, marijuana, or anything else.”
Tyler’s defense attorneys, Elizabeth Paige White and Kevann Gardner, claimed that there was no forensic evidence tying their client to the murder.
After less than two days of deliberations, a jury found Tyler not guilty of premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and first-degree burglary.
The jury found Tyler guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.
Parties are expected to reconvene for Tyler’s sentencing on May 1.
