Jury begins deliberations in Derryck Decuir trial

By D.C. Witness Staff - March 15, 2017
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

The government and defense attorneys presented closing arguments in the trial of Derryck Decuir.

“[A] 15-year-old kid never got to graduate high school,” Prosecutor David Misler said. “Never had the opportunity to make a difference in the world.”

According to the government’s narrative, Mercer was paralyzed and laid on the ground “helpless” gasping for his last breaths after he was shot by Decuir. According to the government, the moment Decuir saw Mercer on the bus, he knew Mercer had something he wanted.

The government presented evidence alleging the shooting was the result of a robbery.

The prosecutors refuted the argument of self-defense.

“If you’re going to rob someone, you can’t claim self-defense if the person tries to fight back. Misler said.

In their closing arguments, the defense reminded the jury it “took an oath” and it had to be fair.

“We picked you to be in this jury because we knew you’d be fair,” Defense Attorney Dana Page said.

Page maintained the narrative that Decuir shot Mercer in self-defense.

“He shot Mr. Mercer, before Mr. Mercer could shoot him,” Page said.

According to the defense, Decuir did what the law allowed him to do. They also argued that Decuir did not see an innocent boy that night, but instead, a “big shotgun coming to take his life.”  

Decuir has been charged with first-degree murder while armed committed against a minor, attempted robbery while armed committed against a minor, possession of firearm during commission of a crime violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Decuir is still being held without bond and the jury has been deliberating since Tuesday.