Murder Defendant’s Former Cellmate Makes Deal to TestifY for Prosecutors

By Hunter Krienke [former] - June 13, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

On June 13, prosecutors introduced a witness who discussed his jailhouse conversations with a defendant on trial for murder.

Isaac Moye, 45, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the disappearance and death of Unique Harris, 24. 

Harris, who was last seen near the 2400 block of Hartford Street, SE, was declared missing on Oct. 10, 2010. Moye was charged in connection to the case on Dec. 21, 2020.

While her body was never recovered, an investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) led to Moye becoming the primary suspect in her alleged murder.

The witness, who was a Moye’s former cellmate, discussed conversations in which the defendant allegedly admitted his involvement in the murder and disappearance of an unnamed person believed to be Harris.

The witness claimed that Moye said he “did it the right way” and mentioned that the victim was “missing.”

Prosecutors disclosed to the court that the witness has a pending deal for his cooperation and only has four months left to serve in his current sentence.

Defense attorney Jason Tulley cross-examined the witness stating , “You are a snitch.” 

The witness countered saying, “No, I cooperate.”

During cross-examination, the witness’s criminal history was presented in an effort to impeach his credibility. The witness responded that in many cases he had been wrongly convicted, and he became frustrated with Tulley. 

“You got me on trial, don’t you?” said the witness. 

The prosecutor followed up asking, “Would you risk your life for four months of early release?” referring to his deal to testify. The witness responded, “No.”

Later prosecutors brought forth an MPD detective who was recently assigned to the case.  The detective described how he eliminated suspects who could not have been placed at Harris’s apartment the night of her disappearance.

The trial is slated to resume before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on June 14.