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By
Patrick Hillmeyer
- March 13, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Victims
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A jury found a homicide defendant guilty of six charges but was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the most serious counts in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 7.
Jerome Israel, 21, was originally charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful discharge of a firearm, two charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license, and two counts of destruction of property for his alleged involvement in the murder of ChaQuan Barbett, 24, on Aug. 23, 2022 on the 2300 block of Minnesota Ave, SE.
After two days of deliberation, the jury found Israel guilty of unlawful discharge of a firearm, unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of destruction of property $1000 or more, and two counts of carrying a pistol without license outside of a home/business.
However, they were unable to reach a unanimous decision on the charges of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without license outside of a home/business.
In closing, prosecutors argued Israel chased down and murdered Barbett and then returned to the scene in the early hours of Aug. 25, 2022, firing the same gun 14 times before fleeing in a stolen suspect vehicle, which crashed shortly thereafter.
Israel’s defense challenged the credibility of the only person to identify Israel in that he faced criminal charges, and could get a financial reward for his testimony.
Parties are slated to reconvene March 28.