Jury Convicts Homicide Defendant

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

A homicide defendant was convicted of all charges on May 6 following a two-week long trial in DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe’s courtroom.

Eric Davis, 60, was charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the murder of 41-year-old Theodore Riley on the 1600 block of Gales Street, SE, on July 19, 2021.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors provided evidence to the jury that depicted an individual, identified as Davis, interacting with Riley before the shooting, including a video that depicted them walking into the alley where Riley was ultimately killed.

Although no one ever identified Davis by name as the shooter, the prosecution argued that Davis is seen in surveillance footage lowering a ski mask before entering the alleyway with Riley. They claimed no one else was in the alleyway at the time of the shooting, and asserted Davis’ fleeing the scene proved his consciousness of guilt.

In their closings, the prosecution stated, “the evidence is clear that there is one person who endeavored to cover his tracks… one person who is seen exiting the alleyway… one person who is guilty for killing Riley and that is the defendant.”

However, Howard McEachern, Davis’ defense attorney, raised concerns stating “reasonable doubt is ringing all over the place,” arguing Riley could have been shot in the alleyway by another individual who jumped over the fence behind the alley.

He claimed the prosecution had offered “wild and crazy speculation” regarding the incident, and insisted Davis is not guilty.

Despite McEachern’s efforts, the jury found that the evidence clearly proved Davis was responsible for the crime, and convicted him on all charges.

Parties are slated to return for a sentencing Aug. 2.

Follow this case