Jury Trial in Shooting Case Begins 

By D.C. Witness Staff - September 28, 2023
Court | Domestic Violence | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Sept. 28, attorneys delivered opening statements in regards to a 2022 non-fatal shooting case before DC Superior Court Lynn Leibovitz.

Raekwon Sutton, 26, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon offenses committed during release, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence committed during release, burglary committed during release, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm committed during release, and three counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person offenses committed during release. These charges are for his suspected involvement in a shooting where no one was injured on the 4800 block of Benning Road, SE, on March 19, 2022.  

In opening statements, the prosecutor said, “This is not a he said, she said situation, ladies and gentlemen. This is a he said, he did.” 

The prosecution described how Sutton allegedly threatened his ex-girlfriend before coming to her apartment, where the shooting occurred. The ex-girlfriend was absent when Sutton came over, yet her two sisters were there. 

During the defense’s opening statement, Everland Thompson, Sutton’s defense attorney, claimed that Sutton had no reason to try to harm his ex-girlfriend’s sisters because he had helped them when they were homeless. Thompson told the jury, “I am asking to render a verdict of not guilty.”

The prosecution called their first witness, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, who responded to the 911 call. He said shell casings were found, and holes were found in the front door. However,officers did not find a suspect that day.  

The jury trial will resume Oct. 2.