More Witnesses Testify in 2021 Murder Trial

By Jai Bajaj [former] - December 13, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Dec. 11, witnesses testified in a 2021 murder trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Mussye Rezene, 31, is 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 prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the death of 17-year-old Brayan Villatoro on the 1300 block of Nicholson Street, NW. 

Prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department(MPD) officer who testified he and other officers heard gunfire as he was leaving a police station. They ultimately found Villatoro fatally wounded.

The officer noticed dark red blood pooling around the victim, and Villatoro was pronounced dead at the scene. Prosecutors showed body worn camera footage of the officer detaining three individuals who were later released.

According to the officer he was instructed to retrieve surveillance camera footage from homes and businesses around the area but only found recordings of the sound of gunfire, and a car leaving the area.

Rezene’s defense attorney, Jonathan Zucker, said there was a blood stain on the pants of one the individuals who was detained but the officer said he was not aware if it was tested for DNA. 

Next, prosecutors called the medical examiner who performed the autopsy. She explained Villatoro was shot eight times total, in the chest, arm and neck.

According to the medical examiner Villatoro was hit in the carotid artery in his neck and both lungs, those wounds being potentially lethal.

In cross examination, Zucker argued that there was no soot or powder tattooing on Villatoro’s corpse. The medical examiner agreed there was no way of knowing how close the shooter was to Villatoro.

Next, a crime scene technician was called for testimony about evidence at the scene including shell casings and bullet fragments as well as a bloody $50 bill that Villatoro was holding when he was murdered.

The prosecution showed photos of eight shell casings that were strewn up and down the alley where the murder took place. They also recovered a gun from Villatoro’s body.

According to the technician, the bullets used in the murder were .45 caliber and the gun in Villatoro’s possession was .40 caliber.

In cross examination, Zucker argued the shooter would have been approaching or walking away from the victim, based on the location of the shell casings. The technician said casings can bounce in many different ways, and there’s no way to know for sure how the shooter was moving during the homicide.

Parties will reconvene Dec. 12.