A mother and her son testified on the second day of a non-fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on April 23. The incident started with an argument over loud music but ended in violence.
Donnell Wells, 36, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE. The incident occurred on Aug. 1, 2024 and two individuals sustained gunshot wounds.
In her testimony, the victim’s mother, who lived at the Newcomb Street address, stated an altercation began when she asked her neighbors to move inside, since she was bothered by their loud music and the pungent smell of marijuana coming from their patio. After she asked a second time, she testified, Wells, a friend of the noisy neighbor, began arguing with her and yelling obscenities.
That caused her son to come outside and attempt to hit Wells after which, according to the witness, Wells shot her son in the chest and leg. After hearing the gunshots, the second victim, whom she identified as her brother, came outside and he was shot in the neck
In her testimony, she emphasized that her emotions were all over the place following the shooting, saying she “didn’t know if her baby was going to make it.” She also stated that she heard from her other son that he had an altercation with Wells prior to the shooting, during which Wells allegedly pulled a .22 caliber gun.
Her son later testified about the shooting and the lasting effects it has had on his life. He said he had to be admitted to the hospital for two weeks due to his injuries, and also needed to receive abdominal surgery.
When asked if he and his mother ever discussed the shooting, he said they never did in depth because he did not like talking about it. He was unable to identify the shooter, saying that his mother was blocking his view when it happened.
One officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified the victim’s mother made threats to officers on the scene, but emphasized that she was rightfully upset about the situation.
Parties are slated to reconvene April 24.
