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By
Alex Garcia Pecina
- November 22, 2024
Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein’s courtroom was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on two charges in a murder trial on Nov. 15. In the wake of the impasse, the judge declared a mistrial.
Rafeal Stevens, 39, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh that occurred on Dec. 29, 2022 ,on the 2000 block of 7th Street, NE.
According to court documents, the shooting happened outside of the Franklin Market Liquor Store. When Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the scene they found Umoh suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Umoh succumbed to his injuries later that night.
Stevens was acquitted of first-degree murder while armed and the lesser included charge of second-degree murder while armed. However, jurors were unable to decide on the manslaughter charge and the charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The jury convicted Stevens of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict.
Judge Epstein granted the defense’s motion for a mistrial.
Parties are slated to reconvene before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Dec. 3.