Murder Defendant Had ‘No Motive,’ Defense Says

By D.C. Witness Staff - March 5, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During opening arguments in a murder trial, the defense told a jury that their client had “absolutely no motive” to shoot a 53-year-old man.

Kimberly Thompson is charged with first-degree murder while armed, among other offenses, for his alleged role in the shooting of Charles Mayo on the 1900 block of Bennett Place, NE in 2015.

The prosecution told the jury March 5 that Thompson, 61, didn’t think very highly of Mayo and described him to police as “cruddy, a drug dealer and a bad person.” They said Thompson shot Mayo.

However, the defense said there is no evidence and no motive to back up the prosecution’s claim.

Subsequently, a witness told the jury she saw Thompson regularly in the area of the shooting. She said that a week or so prior to the shooting, Thompson asked her for a place to stay, but she turned him down because of his “irritable attitude.” She also said she saw him sleeping in his car in the area.

Surveillance footage captured Thompson’s silver Mercedes Benz driving on and near Bennett Place around the time of the offense. Apparently, police seized his vehicle a few days later and found that it contained multiple firearms.

The trial is scheduled to continue on March 6.