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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- December 12, 2018
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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During a murder trial, a witness told a jury that her life was in danger after it became publicly known that she was going to testify against a murder defendant.
Eric McDuffie is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Antonio McCallister on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE in the Woodland neighborhood.
On Dec. 11, a witness said she received a screenshot of texts threatening her after it became public that she was going to testify. The witness said she did not want to testify because her life is “on the line.”
“I would have people I’m uncomfortable with sitting outside of my house,” the witness said. “I’m still scared [for] my life.”
The witness also said prior to the shooting, she was hanging out with her friends in the Woodland neighborhood. Once she left, she said she noticed McCallister and another individual walking in front of her. The witness said, shortly after, she saw McDuffie, 27, walk past her and shoot McCallister in the back of the head.
During cross-examination, McDuffie’s defense attorney, Russel Hairston, pointed out inconsistent statements that the witness gave during several prior testimonies. The witness admitted she gave different versions of the same story but insisted she saw the defendant shoot McCallister.
According to court documents, McDuffie had a previous trial for this case in April. However, a jury was not able to make a unanimous decision on any of the charges.
McDuffie’s trial is scheduled to continue on Dec. 12.