Lead Detective Testifies About Events Leading to a Murder

By Rosie Rohrer [former] - June 21, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On June 21, the lead detective investigating a murder testified for the prosecution in a preliminary hearing.

Stephon Shields, 26, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of 58-year-old James Samuels. Samuels was found dead from gunshot wounds in an apartment on the 2900 block of Nelson Place, SE on the night of June 2. 

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt conducted the proceeding which included testimony from an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the lead detective in the case.

The prosecuting attorney questioned the detective about various pieces of evidence from the crime scene including graphic pictures of the victim’s body, as well as the room in which he was shot. According to the detective’s testimony, Shields allegedly had an argument with the victim’s fiancé. At some point there a “tussle” between Shields and Samuels immediately preceding the shooting. 

Defense attorney Sylvia Smith began questioning the detective about the witnesses stories and the order of events.

Smith was not able to finish her questioning due to time restraints, and will resume on June 22.