Leaf Blower Shooting Goes to The Jury

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Parties gave their closing statements in a non-fatal shooting over blowing leaves incident before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on April 3.

Lawrence Murphy, 50, is charged with aggravated assault while knowingly armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 31, 2020 on the 1300 block of Queen Street, NE. The incident left an individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

In their closing argument, the prosecution highlighted the victim’s testimony, stating he saw Murphy running into his home after he was shot, as well as the testimony of a neighbor who heard gunshots. Prosecutors focused on the impact the shooting had on the victim, who is now out of work as a landscaper due to the injuries caused by the shooting, emphasizing that he was “Just trying to make a living for himself.”

An altercation over leaf blowing into Murphy’s yard was the apparent trigger for the incident.

The prosecution claimed that once Murphy — who allegedly identified himself as the person seen in the security footage running out the back of a Queen Street home — saw the footage, he changed his story.

They urged the jury to convict Murphy, stating he did not act in self-defense.

In his closing, defense attorney Alvin Thomas emphasized that the defendant had no motive to shoot the victim nor was there a proper investigation for a suspect.

Thomas also urged the jury to consider that Murphy’s actions did not align with a guilty man, noting that he had been compliant with law enforcement throughout the investigation, allowing them to search his home and vehicle.

Further, the victim is the only witness who said Murphy had a gun which was never located during the investigation. Nor were there reports of gunfire from those nearby.

In its rebuttal the prosecution questioned why Murphy ran if he had done nothing wrong, and that he only came back to his Queen Street residence when he thought the police had left. Further, since things happened so quickly it’s not surprising no one saw Murphy with a gun.

Parties are set to return once the jury reaches a verdict.