Jury Finds Defendant Guilty in 2020 Non-Fatal Shooting

By Jai Bajaj [former] - October 25, 2023
Daily Stories | Featured | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects |

On Oct. 24, a jury found Vincent James guilty on three felony counts before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

James, 39, was convicted of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place at a liquor store on the 3900 block of South Capitol Street, SE, on July 30, 2020. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident. 

Throughout the trial, prosecutors relied on security camera footage from the liquor store and an adjacent AutoZone where the suspect was seen making a purchase hours before the shooting. They stated that the video clearly portrays James in the area leading up to the shooting. 

They used testimony from a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who gathered the footage and corroborating information that put James in that AutoZone making that purchase.

According to the detective, AutoZone transaction records showed James used his rewards card hours before the shooting.

The detective also testified the man in the liquor store parking lot footage, identified as the shooter, had the same clothes on as the man making the AutoZone purchase. 

Throughout the trial, Susan Ellis, James’ defense attorney, claimed there was not enough evidence to convict James. She argued no DNA evidence was submitted and no gun was recovered.

“You can’t find him guilty,” insisted Ellis, claiming that the prosecutors had failed to put all the puzzle pieces of the case together. 

Despite Ellis’ arguments, the jury believed prosecutors had made their case.

A status hearing is set for Oct. 26 to decide if James will remain on release as he awaits sentencing.