Jury Convicts Homicide Defendant Hours After Parties’ Closing Arguments

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On July 9, a jury delivered a guilty verdict for all charges in a homicide trial, hours after parties delivered their closing statements before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Vernon Parrish, 40, was found guilty for first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for shooting Ronald Bailey, 52, on Sept. 26, 2021, on the 5200 block of E Street, SE.

According to court documents, the shooting occurred after an argument between the defendant and the victim over a former girlfriend.

During the incident Parrish was accompanied by Adrian Tate, who was never charged due to his death 15 months after Bailey’s murder, according to the prosecution.

During closing statements, the prosecution asked the jury to find Parrish guilty for all charges. In an attempt to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this murder was premeditated, and at bare minimum the defendant aided and abetted this crime, the prosecution presented evidence of motive by using video footage of the shooting and audio surveillance of the gunshots.

The video footage showed Parrish driving the vehicle to the victim’s house with Tate in the passenger seat. An eyewitness said the driver is the one who shot at the house, however the witness also said the ‘taller’ one had the gun, whereas Parrish is 8 inches shorter than Tate.

The prosecution argued that the inconsistencies with eyewitness testimonies were due to heightened stress. “Eyewitness details are wrong but not incorrect,” the prosecutor said.

Prosecution also included Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) body cam footage of a dying declaration from the victim. Bailey told police officers that Parrish was the one who shot him.

“The simplest explanation (for all charges) is the truth,” the prosecution said.

Nikki Lotze, Parrish’s defense attorney, argued that Parrish is innocent. She said the defendant’s companion, Tate, shot at the victim in self defense.

Lotze said the jury should doubt the prosecution’s theory, insisting that the victim fired first during the argument. She urged the jury to question the witness’ testimony because it was inconsistent with the evidence that identifies Parrish as the perpetrator.

“This isn’t some throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks”, Lotze said. “This decision will affect this man for the rest of his life.”

The prosecution rebutted, claiming that Parrish’s “actions are consistent with intent to kill not with intent to talk.”

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Oct. 11.