Lead Detective Testifies in a High School Shooting Case

By Aryana Zakeri [former] , Carmen Quinteros [former] - May 29, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects |

Video evidence was presented before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan in a co-defendants non-fatal shooting in a May 28 hearing.

Azhari Graves, 18, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting at Dunbar High School on the 1200 block of Kirby Street, NW on May 4. A juvenile sustained an injury to the head during the incident. 

Saki Frost, 17, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to commit any other offense while armed, two counts of assault to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for the same crime.

Frost is charged as an adult under Title 16 giving prosecutors the option to charge juveniles with more serious crimes.

Under questioning from the prosecutor, the lead detective on the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) highlighted video surveillance footage from different angles on Kirby and Morgan Streets, NW where two individuals, later identified as the defendants, are seen aiming a firearm at a Chevy Cruze. 

According to court documents, a juvenile female sustained a graze wound to the head after a bullet went through the window of a classroom at the school. The graze was deep enough that the skull was visible.

Video footage also reveals a group of 15 juveniles in an alley, where two individuals, allegedly Frost and Graves, are seen holding firearms. 

Later in an interview with the passengers in the car, the detective revealed how they were looking to “talk to girls” when circling the block. 

Bullet casings were found alongside bullet strikes to the driver door and ceiling of the car.

During cross-examination, Hannah Claudio, Graves’ attorney, pointed out there were several times where the group was not caught on surveillance and that both defendants were “definitely not” the only ones with firearms. 

Due to time constraints, the detective was unable to conclude his testimony.

Parties are slated to return May 29.