Judge Questions Shooting Defendant’s Release Compliance

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman raised a concern for judicial action for a shooting defendant’s ability to maintain a permanent address on Nov. 21.

Demetry Ferguson, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm of ammunition, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of an unregistered firearm.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Sept. 8, 2024 on the 4400 block of E Street, NW.

According to court documents, the victim was Ferguson’s baby’s mother’s new boyfriend.

On Oct. 10, 2024, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein released Ferguson with GPS monitoring, as well as stay-away orders and a curfew between 10 p. m. and 6 a. m.

Judge Edelman also granted that Ferguson could spend up to three days a week at his grandmother’s home to assist in her care on Feb. 20.

During the hearing, Judge Edelman raised a concern with Ferguson’s defense attorney Steven Kiersh, regarding a report from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) noting Ferguson’s inability to keep a permanent address to maintain his release conditions. Kiersh told Judge Edelman that he was planning to file a motion to terminate his release that will allow him to stay at an alternative address with a curfew.

The prosecution also put a plea offer on the record, that if Ferguson pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed, all other charges would be dismissed. Kiersh requested more time to speak with his client about the offer.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 22.

Bench Warrant Issued for Infanticide Defendant Following Two Month Absence

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman issued a bench warrant on Nov. 21 for a homicide defendant that he previously allowed to access an inpatient treatment program for substance abuse.

Christen Borden, 36, is charged with felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children with grave risk for her alleged involvement in the death of her five-month-old son, Kenneth Walton, on Feb. 11, 2023 on the 4000 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW. Walton died from multiple blunt force injuries.

On July 3, Judge Edelman granted Borden’s move from an inpatient drug treatment program to an outpatient program.

At the hearing, Judge Edelman stated that he had been notified that following Borden’s transfer from the DC Jail to begin outpatient treatment on Sept. 24, Borden checked herself out the same day.

Borden allegedly told her Pretrial Services Agency Officer (PSAO) that she wished to check herself into another facility to begin treatment, although she has since been considered a loss of contact, according to Judge Edelman.

Borden’s defense attorneys, Megan Allburn and Steven Kiersh, said that they had spoken to Borden within 24 hours of the hearing, and that she was currently undergoing detox in an outpatient facility.

The prosecution requested a bench warrant, which Judge Edelman issued with no bond, explaining that he believed that Borden was manipulating her release conditions.

Parties will reconvene once Borden is located.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide

The lead detective in a fatal shooting explained his investigation into the incident before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Nov. 20.

Ramon Richardson, 41, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Lawrence Meekins, 50, on the 1800 block of E Street, SE on July 1.

The detective said that Richardson was arrested later that day for a separate firearm incident, just hours after the early morning shooting. The firearm was allegedly discovered, at the Richardson family home.

The prosecutor played footage that police obtained from the Congressional Cemetery, down the block from where the incident occurred. In the clips, a physical altercation between two people can be seen, followed by two visible muzzle flashes.

During cross-examination by defense attorney Madalyn Harvey, the detective said that he did not personally respond to the incident and knew what had happened through the body-worn camera and reports of the responding officers, and interviews with the two witnesses to the incident. He did, however, respond to the shooting on E street.

By the time he arrived, the paramedics had left. Five cartridge casings were found, four of which were near the body, the other in the street. Only one of the casings likely matched the firearm that was recovered from Richardson’s home, according to the detective.

When asked by Harvey, the detective was unsure if that was due to only one casing being tested or all five being tested and only one matching the gun.

Both the defendant and the victim had prior criminal history before the incident, which both parties pointed out. Harvey referenced several 911 calls that were made that night by nearby residents. One of the callers reported a gun twice, first claiming that they had heard someone say they were going to get a gun out of a vehicle, then also saying that someone had a gun during the fight.

Harvey theorized that Meekins may have had a gun, due to his criminal history. The detective said no firearm was found on the body, but could neither confirm or deny that anyone had approached the body due to tree leaves partially blocking the camera’s view.

Police had responded twice to the 911 calls. Both times, none of the officers were sure if either Richardson or Meekins were on the scene at the time.

Harvey also noted that only one of the witnesses was able to identify Richardson from the video, and that another witness had said it could be him but he was not sure without clearly seeing the suspect’s face. Both witnesses were involved in a home incident that had occurred later that day and were asked to identify Richardson from video taken of the first incident.

Police had interviewed several witnesses. Two had been on the phone with the victim hours before the shooting. One witness claimed that Meekins may have been selling drugs that he had gotten from someone else. Two other witnesses were labeled as possible suspects due a tip.

Throughout the hearing, the detective’s investigation notes, referred to as the “running resume,” were used to refresh and then challenge his testimony. Frequently, the witness said “I’d have to refresh my memory” or “I don’t recall” to the defense’s questions. The notes and affidavit were referenced at least 15 times.

After the witness was dismissed, Harvey asked the judge to deny probable cause. She claimed that the witness who had identified Richardson, a family member, may have been a misidentification. She also said that, due to Meekins’ criminal history, Richardson could have been acting in self-defense and that it could be inferred that someone had approached Meekins’ body and removed a weapon.

Judge Edelman said that would need to be proven. He also said that room in the evidence for self-defense does not defeat probable cause. He found probable cause and held the defendant due to the prosecution’s claim that Richardson, who has a criminal history of his own and allegedly threatened to shoot someone in the incident at his house on the same day, is a threat to the community.

The judge also believed that Richardson would prove a flight risk due to a record of executed bench warrants and contempt convictions, despite the defense’s request for 24-hour home confinement.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 20.

Why I Do This…

I am asked a lot of times why I do this? Why do I wake up every morning and spend my time running D.C. Witness, finding ways to keep us afloat, talking about homicides, shootings and other violent crimes? Why don’t I just retire?

Here’s why. Because I arrived in the city in 1990, a fresh faced-journalist hungry to make my name. This city gave me my career. This city gave me my life. I met my wife here. My kids were born here. I raised them here (ok admittedly I don’t have great things to say about DCPS.) Today, my kids are grown and moved on with their lives. For some reason my wife still puts up with me. DC is still my home.

I owe this city.

Through all the ups and downs, the coming and going of administrations, the mostly soul crushing of our sports teams – where art though oh Commanders, Nats, Caps (sometimes) and Wizards (always!) – our ever so ephemeral self-rule, the new skylines of NOMA and Navy Yards, the changing population, this city has been and is my home.

So what can I give in return? To quote Liam Neeson, “I don’t have money but I have a set of skills acquired over many years.” So, I set up D.C. Witness to do what nobody else does, other than the occasional flashy take out by the Post: shed light on the most important and yet opaque part of city government – criminal justice.

It’s a really quick way to not make money. But I don’t do it for money. I do it for our city. And now I do it for my amazing staff whose energy, hope and enthusiasm remind me of when I first arrived. I do this for our hungry interns who sit in courtrooms gathering the facts and data, getting the experience they can’t elsewhere. I do this for the families and victims, and the families of the accused who stop our folks in courtrooms virtually every day to thank us.

That’s why I do it. Because DC is my home, and I believe I have the duty to give back. Call me old-fashioned.

And once a year I ask you, our readers and supporters, for help by donating to our end-of-year, tax-deductible, fundraising campaign. A generous match means every dollar up to $15,000 raised by December 31 will be doubled. So I am asking that if you feel what we do benefits our city, please join me in giving back by donating whatever you can spare.

Happy holidays.

Amos Gelb

Publisher

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Non-Fatal Shooting Co-Defendant Accepts Plea Deal Following Earlier Mistrial

A non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Nov. 20.

Daniel Cary, 33, and Chantel Stewart, 30, are charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and threat to kidnap or injure a person for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on July 22, 2020.

During the hearing, Cary pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The prosecution waived sentencing enhancements and dismissed all remaining charges and Cary’s misdemeanor Bail Reform Act (BRA) case.

The plea comes after their jury trial in January of this year. The jury ended in a deadlock on some of their charges, resulting in a mistrial.

Cary will be required to register as a gun offender following release.

Stewart pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to retrial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on July 22, 2020 Cary was driven by Stewart next to the victim’s car where he knowingly and voluntarily fired five shots into the vehicle as the victim was driving away.

The victim was hit once in the back, and she suffered a collapsed lung. She underwent three surgeries and was hospitalized for a month.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 13., 2026.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Wants Transfer After Bus Incident

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt issued a medical alert for a non-fatal shooting defendant during a status hearing on Nov. 20.

Marcus Martin, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that wounded one individual on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE, on Jan. 11, 2024.

Defense attorney Quo Meiko Judkins asked Judge Brandt to request the Department of Corrections (DOC) transfer Martin from the Central Detention Facility (CDF) to the lower security Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF). The request followed Martin’s hospitalization after being attacked on the transport bus to the courthouse. Martin alleged he is still suffering from pain in his side.

Judge Brandt issued a medical alert and is submitting a request he be moved to CTF.

Trial is set for Feb. 23, 2026.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 23.

Jury Swiftly Convicts Homicide Defendant

After less than a day of deliberation, a jury unanimously found a homicide defendant guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Nov. 21.

Julius Worthy, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict for his involvement in the fatal shooting and stabbing of Orlando Galloway, 36, on April 2, 2023 at the 200 block of 14th Street, SE. Also injured was Galloway’s girlfriend, who was stabbed but survived.

After two weeks of trial, the jury found Worthy guilty of all charges. Worthy showed no emotion hearing the verdict.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 30, 2026 for sentencing.

Judge Denies Release Request a Third Time

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release for a third time on Nov. 20.

Robert Harris, 59, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 3700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on July 1. One individual sustained injuries.

Adgie O’Bryant, Harris’ attorney, stated that he has filed three motions for bond review, two of which were denied. Judge Hertzfeld denied the third motion, noting that there has been no new evidence to prove Harris does not pose a threat to the community.

O’Bryant then requested to withdraw from the case because of “irreconcilable differences” between him and Harris. Judge Hertzfeld warned Harris that the case would be set back as a newly appointed attorney would need time to familiarize themselves with his case.

Harris requested more time to consider.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 2.

‘His Life Mattered,’ Judge Declares, in Sentencing Murderer to 39 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman emphasized the impact of a young murder defendant’s actions before sentencing him to 39 years in prison on Nov. 24.

Ethan Cunningham, 23, was convicted by a jury on Jan. 31 of two counts of felony murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, first-degree burglary while armed, attempted robbery while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device.

The charges stem from his involvement in an attempted robbery that led to the fatal shooting of 38-year-old James Curtis on May 10, 2022, on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE. A second victim was targeted but uninjured.

At sentencing, prosecutors informed the court they were required to dismiss the ammunition feeding device charge due to new directives from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The prosecutors requested Cunningham serve 45 years of imprisonment, 40 years for the murder, and five years for the assault.

The prosecution described Cunningham’s attitude during the case as “cavalier” and said his actions in court were disrespectful to Curtis’ grieving family. According to the prosecution, Cunningham “repeatedly threw temper tantrums and refused to come to court” and argued with his attorneys.

Curtis’ oldest daughter said her father’s murder left her shattered and forced her to look at the world differently. “I never thought I would be burying my dad at the age of 18,” said Curtis’ daughter.

“Knowing my dad was in pain makes me angry because he was a good, loving person,” said the daughter.

Curtis’ sister told the court that the murder left Curtis’ five children without a father. She added that she also lost her own father, because he was no longer the same person after losing his son.

“James was more than just a random victim. He had dreams, he had ambitions, and a heart that was full of love for everyone around him,” said the sister.

Another of Curtis’ sisters said that after the sentencing, their family would have no way of avoiding the reality that Curtis was truly gone.

The surviving victim provided a short statement in which he extended his condolences to Curtis’ family and said Cunningham did not deserve any freedom.

Everald Thompson, Cunningham’s attorney, requested the mandatory minimum, 30 years of imprisonment. Thompson asked Judge Edelman to consider Cunningham’s age as a mitigating factor because his brain was not fully developed and young individuals can act impulsively.

Thompson acknowledged “sorry cannot bring back their loved ones,” but said Cunningham accepted responsibility and was regretful for his actions.

Tayo Belle, an education attorney from the School Justice Project (SJP), disputed prosecutors’ claims that Cunningham lacked remorse as “nothing further from the truth.” Belle said during Cunningham’s discussions with pre-sentence report writers he tried to explain his thought process the day of the incident, not deflect responsibility.

According to Belle, Cunningham’s outbursts at court indicated his struggles with PTSD, panic disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and other mental health conditions that were untreated. Belle said Cunningham was a young person who needed support in a broken system that did not provide it for him.

Belle also said Cunningham earned his high school diploma in July while incarcerated. Judge Edelman was impressed by Cunningham’s diploma and viewed it as an encouraging sign of his maturity since the trial.

Judge Edelman said the evidence of Cunningham’s guilt was “overwhelming” during the trial but did not fault Cunningham for exercising his right to a trial. However, the judge emphasized he could not give Cunningham credit for remorse or responsibility because he continued to minimize his conduct.

Cunningham’s prior record was significant for his age, noted the judge. According to Judge Edelman, Cunningham had a pending non-fatal stabbing case in the DC Superior Court in addition to a warrant in Maryland for a carjacking case against him. “Cunningham remains dangerous,” said the judge.

“I don’t find much satisfaction in giving lengthy sentences to young men,” remarked Judge Edelman. Reflecting on how Cunningham’s actions resulted in Curtis’ death, he added, “The impact here is devastating…his life mattered.”

Judge Edelman sentenced Cunningham to 34 years for each felony murder charge, five years for assault with a dangerous weapon, 12 years for burglary, five years for attempted robbery, five years for each possession of a firearm charge, and one and a half years for carrying a pistol.

All charges will run concurrently except for the assault charge, which will run consecutively, followed by five years of supervised release, and be required to register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.

Cunningham will serve a total of 39 years of imprisonment and no further dates were set.

Defense Questions, ‘I’m A Murderer, I Killed My Mother,’ Confession

A matricide defendant’s attorney claimed his client’s confession to police was not to be taken seriously during a trial on Nov. 25 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Seth Andrews, 38, is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of assault on a police officer, and destruction of property, for his alleged involvement in the death of his mother, 67-year-old Hazel Evans, on the unit block of 35th Street, SE on July 16, 2020.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on a now-sergeant from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify about Andrews’ confession during his arrest in August of 2020.

The then-detective testified that Andrews was arrested Aug. 20, 2020 and taken to MPD’s Homicide Branch for an interview. There, surveillance footage showed Andrews told detectives he did not want to speak to them and wanted to hear his Miranda rights and call a lawyer.

The sergeant testified that officers gave Andrews water multiple times as they processed paperwork. At one point, when the sergeant offered Andrews more water, Andrews asked “Am I being charged with anything?” The sergeant could be heard responding, “Yeah, we’ll talk about all that.”

“Just charge me and give me some water and get me to jail,” Andrews could be seen telling the sergeant.

A while later, the sergeant once again offered Andrews more water, when he snapped at him, stating “I’m a murderer, I killed my mother. That’s something you would never want to help. Leave me alone, I’m going to hell. Just take me to jail.”

Following the sergeant’s testimony, Andrews waived his right to testify. “I choose to remain silent, your honor,” he said to Judge Ryan.

Prosecutors claimed Andrews “wrapped his hands around her neck and squeezed,” in the early morning hours of July 17, 2020. “As she fought for her breath, for air, he continued to squeeze.”

The squeezing, they claimed, caused hemorrhaging on Evans’ neck and eyes. The prosecution insisted that Andrews strangled her “until her breathing stopped, until her heart stopped beating, until she died.”

“She died at the hands of another– his hands,” exclaimed the prosecutor, pointing at Andrews in the courtroom.

According to the prosecution, Andrews had been upset in the days leading up to Evans’ death because he suspected his then-girlfriend had been cheating on him. When he was kicked out of her house, he went back to Evans. However, while he was upset with his girlfriend, he called one of his sisters and complained about their mom.

“She was never there for me… she left me” he told his sister. The prosecution alleged “he was mad. Mad at his mom,” for abandoning them when they were younger and for her drug addiction. An addiction that the defense claims had an impact in her death.

However, prosecutors disagreed, stating the toxicology report from Evans’ autopsy came back clean. “She definitely did not overdose,” the prosecutor exclaimed.

Prosecutors highlighted DNA found on Evans’ nail clippings, which were from a male contributor, and more than likely Andrews in comparison to other men. This, the prosecutor insisted, proved the struggle Evans endured as she attempted to stop Andrews.

“She died from being constricted. She was strangled to death. She was killed by the defendant,” the prosecutor asserted.

Prosecutors argued Andrews not only confessed to MPD, but also confessed to his sister. According to the sister’s testimony, Andrews got down on his knees and showed her how he strangled Evans – an act that the sister could not believe.

“He said, ‘I choked our mother to death’,” the prosecutor reminded the jury of the sister’s testimony.

“What happened is what he told his sister,” the prosecution insisted, once again playing his confession to MPD. “I’m a murderer, I killed my mother.”

“He had been caught, so he admitted it,” the prosecutor stated, adding that Irving tried to downplay it as a joke. “Who jokes about that?” she said.

“Despite [their love and good relationship], he killed her,” the prosecution insisted, demanding the jury convict him of all charges.

“Hazel Evans gave the defendant his first breath, and he took her last. Hazel Evans gave him life, and the defendant took hers,” the prosecutor ended.

“Contradiction after contradiction by witnesses,” Irving claimed, stating the prosecutors had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Andrews was guilty. He claimed that Evans died from natural causes.

Irving highlighted Evans’ health, stating she was obese, had high blood pressure and an enlarged heart, and had nephrosclerosis – a kidney disease caused by the high blood pressure.

“This is what caused her death, because she was at a high risk of a cardiac event at any time,” Irving insisted. “It could’ve happened. It did happen.”

“They [the prosecution] have zero motive. Zero,” he stated, highlighting Andrews and Evans’ great relationship. However, Irving stated the allegations of his involvement started from rumors created by Andrews’ sisters.

“The jealousy… it’s sometimes petty,” he said, stating that they had left Andrews out of the obituary, despite him being the one that spent the most time with Evans and provided for her. “Why is he going to kill his mother out of the blue?”

As for the witnesses the prosecution allegedly paid, Irving highlighted the medical examiner. She previously testified she charges $600 an hour for any court appearance, and $500 an hour for pretrial work. “You don’t think she has her own interest?” Irving questioned, adding “Of course she does.”

He went on to argue that both of Andrews’ confessions should not be considered as the truth, stating he “was sarcastic” with the cops and had been force fed two Ambien, a sedative, before he confessed to his sister.

“This man, who did nothing but love his mother, did not kill her,” Irving insisted.

Prior to closing arguments, Irving filed a motion for judgment of acquittal, which was denied by Judge Ryan, who stated a reasonable jury could find him guilty, highlighting the video where he admitted to killing his mom at MPD’s office.

Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Document: MPD Investigating Minnesota Avenue Fatal Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a fatal crash on Nov. 26 on Minnesota Avenue, NE. Jal Chuol Pinuieny, 29, was struck by a WMATA bus after falling into the roadway and was later hit by a fleeing pickup truck. The bus driver remained on the scene, but the pickup truck driver fled.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 18-year-old Javier Montgomery in connection with a fatal shooting in Northeast. On Oct. 3, officers found 17-year-old Jermaine Durbin deceased from a gunshot wound on the 600 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE. Montgomery was charged with First-Degree Murder While Armed-Felony Murder.

Document: MPD Arrests Three Suspects in 2024 Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrests of three suspects in connection with a 2024 homicide in Southeast. On Jan. 25, 2024, Malik Gliss, 31, was found dead from gunshot wounds in an apartment on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE. On Nov. 26, Steven Metts, 20, Keondre Carroll, 22, and Jovontae Wallace, 21, were charged with First-Degree Murder While Armed for their alleged involvement in Gliss’s death.

Jury Convicts Man for Family Brawl Killing

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson’s courtroom convicted a homicide defendant of multiple charges on Nov. 25.

David Pena, 48, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Maurice Robinson, 24. The incident occurred on June 12, 2023, on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors provided evidence that the incident stemmed from a brawl between Robinson’s family member and Pena’s daughter. The two, who were best friends, had gotten into verbal disputes leading up to the brawl.

Pena testified that he had shot at Robinson in self-defense and to protect his kids, who were all part of the brawl. According to Pena, as he tried to leave the fight, he thought he heard someone shout “Blow his a** up,” and subsequently reach for their waistband. He agreed he retrieved his handgun and shot six times.

However, his testimony was not convincing enough for the jury, as they convicted him of voluntary manslaughter while armed, which is the lesser included offense of second-degree murder, and all other charges.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Feb. 6.

‘You Know What You Did Was Wrong,’ Cries Matricide Victim’s Friend in Court

A homicide victim’s friend and neighbor testified about her knowledge of the incident in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Nov. 24.

Prosecutors called on Evans’ friend and neighbor, who testified to knowing Evans and Andrews for a year at the time of the incident.

According to the witness, Evans and Andrews had a loving relationship, stating “it was nice… she spoke highly of her son.”

The witness testified that on the evening of July 15, 2020, she and Evans sat outside as Evans waited for her daughter to drop something off to her. “She looked fine, like nothing was wrong with her,” the witness recalled.

She stated Evans went back to her apartment after retrieving a bag from her daughter’s car, and she never saw her again.

According to the witness, she went into her own apartment some time after Evans left, and watched TV for a few hours before she “heard a lot of commotion upstairs.”

The witness testified that Evans lived right above her, with their bedrooms in the same location as well as the layout of their rooms.

“I heard her fussing with her son,” the witness testified, adding she muted her TV and heard Evans constantly say “Seth, get off me,” for more than five minutes. A while later, she “heard a thump – a boom.”

The witness was unclear about the timing of events in the evening and early morning hours, stating she knew it was still dark outside, but was unsure of the time.

“They was having a dispute,” the witness continued, however, she stated, she didn’t call 911 because “I thought it was not that serious.”

“It’s not my place to call the police, I don’t know what’s going on in that room,” the witness asserted when questioned why she didn’t call the police. “I would’ve called if I was in the apartment.”

According to the witness, their neighbor from across the street, who had a good relationship with her and Evans, called her around 5 a. m., when he noticed first responders were at the scene due to the sirens and flashing lights.

The witness stated when detectives eventually arrived asking to speak to people in the building she refused to talk to them. “I didn’t wanna be involved,” she said, adding that she later changed her mind – 15 months after the incident.

“You know what you did was wrong,” she cried out to Andrews as she testified. Kevin Irving, Andrews’ attorney, objected to the outburst, and Judge Ryan struck it from the record.

The witness went on to state that Andrews kicked in her door and told her, “Hot b****, I didn’t kill my mom.”

According to the witness, being a “hot b****” in the community is regarded as being a snitch.

Irving questioned why she didn’t speak to detectives on the day of the incident, stating, “You knew why they were there. They knocked on everyone’s door.”

He questioned if she decided to testify at trial to receive a witness voucher, which pays any witness $40 for their participation in trials, and an undisclosed amount when they testify in the Grand Jury.

According to Irving, the witness received a voucher at the Grand Jury proceeding, and asked prosecutors for another one when she met with them prior to trial at their office.

When asked if she had requested one for her trial testimony, she stated she hadn’t. “You’re going to, correct?” asked Irving. The prosecution’s objection was sustained.

“Are you testifying for a 40 dollar voucher?” the prosecutors asked the witness. “No,” she stated, adding “it was never about the money.”

Prosecutors also called on a forensic pathologist who testified she conducted Evans’ autopsy on July 17, 2020 and issued a report for it in August of that year.

According to the witness, she no longer works at the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), and was brought in as an expert in forensic pathology.

The witness stated Evans’ autopsy showed the cause of death was asphyxia secondary to neck compression, or strangulation, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide by another person.

The pathologist stated that Evans’ examination showed signs of strangulation, which could be specifically noted through the hemorrhaging on her neck’s muscles and the breaking of her thyroid cartilage.

She also stated that the asphyxia was noticeable based on vessels bursting in her eyes.

Irving questioned if her testimony would have changed had she not been charging $600 an hour to appear in court, and $500 an hour to prepare for trial.

When asked why there was no bruising on Evans’ neck, but an abrasion on her chin, the witness stated “she was trying to avert the attack by putting her chin down.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 25.

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