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Witnesses Attest to Homicide Defendant’s Character

A jury heard multiple witnesses testify that a homicide defendant is a peaceful man dedicated to helping youth. The testimony came in a case involving a juvenile shooting victim argued before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Aug 8. 

Jason Lewis, 42, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake on Jan. 7, 2023. The incident occurred on the 1000 block of Quincy Street, NE.

The doctor who performed the autopsy on Blake recovered two projectiles, one from the right side of the chest, another in the pelvis and a fragment from his left arm. She concluded the cause of death was gunshot wounds and the manner was homicide. 

A Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) analyst provided testimony on an Audi and Kia Sportage involved in the incident.

Security footage from a PNC bank and a dentist’s office down the street allegedly shows two young people get out of a gray Kia and break into several cars, one of which was Lewis’ gray Audi.

The questions were focused mainly on the Kia and the items recovered which she testified included a screwdriver, phone, clothing, and a black backpack. The defense confirmed that none of the items recovered was processed for DNA or fingerprints. 

An MPD Officer testified the black tactical backpack had a VELCRO triangular-shaped pouch attached and could be used as a holster for a gun. 

During a recess, the prosecution filed a motion to exclude evidence about Blake’s prior offenses since they were minimal and did not include violent acts. Judge Epstiein granted the motion given that Lewis only contends that Blake ran at him and did not hold a firearm that night. 

The defense called a woman who’d known Lewis for ten yearsto serve as a character witness, She said he worked at a recreation center and her kids participated in sports there. She recalled Lewis always interacting and helping kids with programs at the center. Further, she said he would often try and deescalate situation among the kids.

She considered Matthews one of the “most peaceful” individuals she knew at the recreation center.

The defense also called on a juvenile diversion coordinator, who testified he knew Lewis through work, specifically youth services and youth projects within the community. 

He testified that in his opinion, Lewis is a non-violent person, peaceful and law abiding, and has been truthful and honest. The witness also mentioned Lewis’ working on a non-profit landscaping program for kids, to teach them skills while getting paid. 

Another of Lewis’ co-workers also testified they had worked together for twelve years prior to the shooting. She described their relationship as having a “healthy competition” and at times were mentors for each other. 

She also recalled seeing Lewis’ interacting with kids and just being a “very loving person.” She added she had seen Lewis building and working on citywide programs, which she claimed helped reduce crime. when he operated them.  

She described Lewis as “a very level-headed man”who obeyed the law and taught kids to follow the law. 

The prosecution then asked whether she knew anything about the incident and the charges, and she responded wasn’t interested in the shooting but only came to testify about Matthews’ character. 

Parties are scheduled to return on Aug. 12. 

Shooting Defendant’s Case Dismissed For Lack of Preliminary Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover dismissed a shooting defendant’s case on Aug. 9 due to the prosecution’s failure to conduct a preliminary hearing. 

Darrian Tabbs, 28, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and receiving stolen property worth $1000 or more for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident on July 30 on the 600 block of Florida Avenue, NW. No one sustained injuries. 

According to court documents, Tabbs allegedly fired a gun into the air before fleeing into an alleyway. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers spoke to witnesses who pointed toward Tabbs. Officers allegedly found a gun on Tabbs and arrested him on scene. 

During the hearing, the prosecution extended a pre-preliminary plea offer to the defense requesting Tabbs waive his preliminary hearing rights. It is unclear what charges Tabbs would be required to plead guilty to through the deal.

Tabbs’ defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, said his client rejected the plea offer. He also said the prosecution’s tolling time, which grants the prosecution an extension, ends today and requested Tabbs’ case be dismissed because he has the right to a preliminary hearing.

Judge Glover agreed with the defense and dismissed Tabbs’ case. According to court documents, Tabbs is set to be released from the jail. 

No further dates were set.

Kidnapping and Carjacking Defendant Will Independently Test DNA Evidence


A carjacking and kidnapping defendant alerted DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur of his intent to independently test DNA evidence recovered at a crime scene, during a hearing on Aug. 9. 

Winston Timoteo, 26, is charged with kidnapping while armed and unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Dec. 26 on the 1300 block of 4th Street NE. 

According to court documents, Timoteo was pulled over for driving in the wrong direction. Down the street, the victim was on the phone with the police, alerting them that an individual, later identified as Timoteo, had stolen his car and was driving it. He also alleged the defendant had a gun. The defendant fled the scene as an officer approached.

The victim alleged he was approached by two armed individuals as he got in his car for work. They demanded he get in the car and give them money. As they drove, the defendant allegedly demanded the victim jump from the car, and he complied, as per court documents.

During the hearing, Timoteo’s attorney, Terrence Austin, indicated his intention to conduct DNA testing on the victim’s car and an iPhone recovered at the scene. 

The trial is set to begin Sept. 18. 

Parties will reconvene on Aug. 13.

Defense Says Police ‘Helped Modify the Crime Scene’ in Murder Trial

A defense attorney claimed police manipulated evidence in a homicide investigation during closing arguments before  DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Aug. 8.

Bernard Matthews, 45, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvemsent in the shooting death of 22-year-old Diamonte Green on Feb. 16, 2021, on the 300 block of 33rd St, SE.

In her closing arguments, Matthews’ attorney, Marnitta King, said prosecutors “told [the jury] a story they made up,” and added “there’s so much that the [prosecution] didn’t tell you.” King has repeatedly stated during the trial that the prosecution has failed to provide all relevant evidence to the jury. 

King said there are other suspects that should be considered, namely the witness who called the police.

King also claimed that police assisted that witness and “helped modify the crime scene” including a cell phone and moving shell casings. 

In their arguments, the prosecution told the jury that King was telling them to “ignore the evidence of your eyes and ears.”

The prosecution showed screenshots of threatening Instagram messages that Green had sent to Matthews’ son. They also played footage of an individual, identified as Matthews, walking into the apartment complex where Green’s body was found.

In order to dispute the defense’s claims that one of the witnesses may have been the shooter, prosecutors played the 911 call of the witness asking for help and saying “hurry up, hurry up.” The witness had previously testified that he and Green were “best friends.”

They showed a photo of Green’s body and said he was bleeding internally, according to medical examiners.

The prosecution argued that Matthews had a motive citing that Green had been threatening the defendant’s son. They stated that Matthews “ took it upon himself to make himself the judge, the jury, and the executioner.”

“If you follow the evidence, you’ll find the defendant guilty,” the prosecutor told the jury. 

Parties will reconvene when the jury has reached a verdict.

Detective Provides Video Timeline of Mass Shooting And Aftermath

A homicide detective testified about his investigation of events leading up to and following a mass shooting and homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Aug. 8. 

Mark Price, 29, and Antonio Murchison, 31, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation. 

The charges stem from their alleged involvement into a July 16, 2018 incident on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. The highly publicized crime left 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds.

Price is also charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, threat to injure or kidnap a person, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and first-degree burglary while armed. These charges are connected to the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE. 

The third co-defendant, Quanisha Ramsuer, 31, is charged with obstruction of justice in connection to the homicide.

Six other defendants were convicted in 2023 of charges related to the incident, including:

During the hearing, prosecutors displayed several compilations of surveillance footage from the evening of the mass shooting. Most focused on an apartment on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE, in the Wellington Park neighborhood a few miles away from the crime scene.

Police believe a rivalry between crews in the two neighborhoods may have precipitated the attack.

The detective identified numerous individuals entering, exiting and standing outside the building over several hours, including Price and Murchison. Two vehicles are visible in the footage — a silver BMW, and a carjacked black Infiniti, which was identified as the suspect vehicle used in the mass shooting. 

The footage shows both cars pulling out of the parking lot together, after six individuals, who prosecutors claim are Price, Taylor, Isaiah and Antonio, Thomas, and Michals get inside. According to the detective, only Michals returned in the silver BMW several minutes later, while Cobbs and Jeffers were identified sitting at a picnic table outside an apartment. 

In his testimony, the detective highlighted that between 7:35 p.m. and 8:18 p.m. on July 16, 2018, he did not identify Price, Antonio and Isaiah Murchison, Taylor or Thomas on any surveillance footage at the apartment complex. 

Prosecutors then showed footage of four individuals jumping out of the black Infiniti firing shots in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. They jump back in and the car quickly drives away. 

The detective testified that he attempted to locate CCTV or District Department of Transportation (DDOT) footage of the black Infiniti after the shooting, but was unable to find any. He created a possible route the vehicle could take from Clay Terrace back to Wellington Park, along I-295 where there were no cameras. The detective corroborated this by obtaining cell-site records, of a phone number he connected with Price, that hit a cell tower along the suspected route at Benning Road.

The prosecutors showed subsequent surveillance footage at the 2500 block of Elvans Road providing initial access to the Wellington Park parking lot. A black vehicle could be seen driving past. The black Infiniti did not return to Pomeroy Road, and the detective testified that one can travel by foot along a path from the apartment complex on Elvans Road, down to Pomeroy Road. No cameras surveilled this route in 2018. 

At 8:18 p.m., the individual identified as Price returned to the apartment building. The detective also identified Antonio Murchison, Michals, Cobbs, Jeffers, Ramsuer, and several others in the parking lot. 

The prosecution showed Instagram videos from that date, between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. of the individuals dancing and singing in the parking lot. They can be heard saying: “We the real reason the murder rate high … we just want a homicide.”  

According to the detective, the black Infiniti was dumped on the 3200 block of Burton Court, in Temple Hills, MD, which the detective testified can be reached from Wellington Park without being detected on CCTV cameras, by taking Suitland Parkway. 

He also reviewed several jail calls and visitation videos with Quincy Garvin, who was part of the Wellington Park Crew and convicted of a homicide, where a “terrorist attack” is mentioned. On a call between him and Thomas on July 20, 2018, Garvin said: “I heard they found the airplane.” In his testimony, the detective confirmed the black Infiniti had been recovered by that date.

The prosecution wrapped up its case and defense counsel is expected to call several witnesses before closing statements begin. 

Parties are slated to return on Aug. 12.

‘I’m Sorry,’ Shooting Defendant Says as He’s Sentenced to 18 Months 

DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz sentenced a shooting defendant to 18 months of incarceration on Aug. 9. 

Raymond Robinson, 43, accepted an offer on May 20 to plead guilty to assault with significant bodily injury and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a shooting that injured one individual. The incident occurred on Feb. 10, on the 1800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. 

At the hearing, the prosecutor requested Judge Leibovitz sentence Robinson to 19 months, which was the limit the parties agreed for the sentencing through the deal. 

The prosecutor stated they were asking for that sentence because Robinson was “involved firing a firearm at the victim after a scuffle.” 

Nikki Lotze, Robinson’s defense attorney, disagreed with the prosecutor’s request, stating that Robinson had “been on a path to change his life around” before the incident occurred. She added he had been sober for one year before he reconnected with the victim and started using phencyclidine (PCP). 

According to Lotze, the victim provided contradicting statements to the police, claiming Robinson was a stranger that followed him into his apartment and shot him. However, Lotze stated, the victim and Robinson had an encounter the night before, in which the victim allegedly threatened Robinson with a machete and robbed him of his watch. 

“A 10 month sentence is appropriate in this case,” Lotze insisted. 

“I’m sorry for my actions,” Robinson told the court, adding that the victim had been like a nephew to him and he had attempted to be there for him as he was experiencing a loved one’s loss. 

“I was really trying to do right, but I slipped up,” Robinson told Judge Leibovitz, adding “I’m gonna stay away from negative people.” 

Judge Leibovitz imposed a sentence of 18 months for each charge, ordering the sentences run concurrently to each other. Robinson is also required to register as a gun offender when released. 

No further dates were set. 

Murder Defendant Testifies He Was ‘Nosy’ about Gunshots


A murder defendant testified he was “nosy” about the sounds of gunfire during a tense exchange with the prosecutor in closing arguments before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Aug. 7.

Bernard Matthews, 44,  is charged with first-degree, premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges are related to his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Diamonte Green, 22, on Feb 16. 2021. The shooting occurred on the 300 block of 33rd Street, SE. 

According to court documents, Green was shot in the neighborhood where Matthews’ son lives with his mother. He was visiting his son at the time of the murder. Previously admitted evidence showed his son receiving threatening messages from Green on the day of the incident. 

At the hearing, Marnitta King, Matthews’ attorney, called him to testify. 

Matthews alleged the day of the murder, his son’s mother told him the boy was struggling in school and not attending class. Matthews testified he left work in the middle of the day and went to see his son to speak with him about his grades, adding that his son’s mother drove him to her house. 

Matthews alleged that he and his son heard gunshots in the neighborhood and Matthews went into the hallway to “be nosy.” He also testified they went outside to see the commotion because he was still feeling “nosy.”

Matthews claimed the police presence concerned him because he didn’t want to be questioned or spoken to, fearing his employer would find out he had left early. 

He also testified that he and son took a walk around the block to smoke, and some time later he took another walk by himself to smoke. During his walk alone, he alleged, he left his phone in his son’s apartment on a charger. 

According to Matthews, he was unaware of the threats his son was receiving during his visit and claimed that his son hadn’t shared any of the exchanges he was having with Green with him.

“Did you shoot and kill the decedent in this case?” King asked Matthews. 

“No,” Matthews responded, adding he had never met or spoken to Green. “That’s like looking for a ghost,” he stated.

During the prosecution’s cross-examination there were multiple tense moments when the attorney and the defendant spoke over each other. In one instance, King called out “let him answer the question,” to which the prosecution responded “he’s not answering the question.”

The prosecution asked why Matthews was apparently hiding from the police in the surveillance footage from the apartment building. Matthews repeated what he said during his initial testimony, that he was nosy about the gunshots but didn’t want to get in trouble for skipping work.

He confirmed that he did go for a walk around the time of Green’s death, and identified himself in one of the surveillance videos on the street. 

However, in another somewhat distorted security videos, Matthews denied he was the person walking in the direction of Green’s apartment.

He also denied he was the figure in a video of a person clad in black walking from a distance into the apartment. Matthews testified that he walked around the block, cut through an alley, and then went back inside his son’s apartment. 

He said he changed out of the white sneakers depicted in the video to his black work boots on his second solo walk because they were more comfortable. 

King then asked if Matthews knew why the prosecution was only showing certain security footage segments and not others. “What would that video have shown?” asked King.

“What I do best, smoking,” said the defendant. He said he had to smoke outside because his son’s mother wouldn’t allow it inside her home.

During their closing arguments, the prosecution presented a slideshow that purportedly matched up security footage to the threatening messages that Matthews’ son was receiving from Green. 

The prosecution argued that, despite what Matthews claimed, he had to have known about the messages his son was receiving. They insisted that the security footage matched with his son’s call log, and showed him on the phone with Green as he walked down the hallway with his dad. 

When Green sent a message saying he was outside of the apartment, the prosecution claimed, Matthews and his son are seen on the footage walking down the stairs of the apartment and looking outside– what Matthews testified was him being “nosy” after hearing gunshots. 

The prosecutor said she can understand why Matthews’ son and his mother would testify that Matthews didn’t know about that threat and that he was there to help his son do better in school. She compelled the jury to look at the “unbiased evidence” she was presenting. 

The prosecutor said Matthews didn’t change his shoes because they were more comfortable or because he needed to wear them for his next job. Instead, she claimed, he was “worried about getting Diamonte’s blood on his shoes.”

“One person had the motive, took action, and left the neighborhood immediately after the crime,” the prosecution ended. 

Parties will reconvene on Aug. 8 for the defense’s closing statement and jury deliberation.  

Prosecutors Present Weapons Evidence to Build Conspiracy Theory in Child’s Murder

Prosecutors presented evidence on Aug. 7 of an alleged co-conspirator’s prior arrest to show to what they describe as “storing and stockpiling” of weapons before and after a mass shooting. The case is being argued before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun. 

Antonio Murchison, 31, and Mark Price, 29, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation. 

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting on July 16, 2018, on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood, which claimed the life of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson and injured four other individuals. 

A third co-defendant, Quanisha Ramsuer, 31, is charged with obstruction of justice in connection to the homicide.

Six other defendants were convicted in 2023 for multiple crimes stemming from the high-profile case and received prison terms ranging from six to 68 years.

During the hearing, the prosecution revealed photographs of a person identified as Antonio Murchison as he was arrested for an unrelated incident as evidence of an “active conspiracy” to possess a firearm among members of a group.

The arrest was not near the Wellington Park or Clay Terrace area where the murder took place, “or with anyone in conspiracy” according to Murchison’s defense counsel Michael Bruckheim.

However, prosecutors argued it shows suspects were already in possession of firearms, and were storing and stockpiling them before and after the mass shooting. 

Prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who arrived when Murchison was arrested on Aug. 28, 2018 and allegedly recovered a firearm from him containing six live rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. The prosecutors showed the officer’s body-worn camera footage and arrest photos of Murchison, and the officer was able to identify Murchison in court.

Murchison was arrested in June of 2019 in connection to the mass shooting. 

Bruckheim described the evidence as “far more prejudicial than probative,” but Judge Okun allowed it.

The prosecutor also showed pictures and body-worn camera footage to support the notion Muchison possessed a firearm and thus was “prepared” for an attack.

The prosecution also discussed a potential issue with a witness represented by the Public Defender Service (PDS) who is one of the surviving victims. Price wants the individual to testify but he has asserted his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent avoiding potential self-incrimination.

After speaking with the witness’ attorney, Kristen Williams, Judge Okun said that there is “a potential Fifth Amendment privilege if [the witness] testifies” and ruled that “Price will be precluded from calling this witness at the trial.”

Price and the individual grew up together, according to Bruckheim.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Aug. 8.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Southeast Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 16-year-old Shamard Miller, who is charged as an adult with first-degree premeditaed murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Demetrius Creek. The incident occurred on June 15 on the 1400 block of Howard Road, SE.

Creek was located on the 2400 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 21-year-old Karim Ibrahim, who is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Javonni Coleman. The incident occurred on Jan. 16 on the 2400 block of S Street, SE.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Metro Station Shooting

A defendant accepted a plea deal in connection to a Metro station shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Aug. 7.

Desean Delaney, 31, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting which occurred on April 8 at the 200 block of Florida Avenue, NE within the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro station. 

According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Delaney, got into an altercation with a woman after she didn’t respond to his advances. He allegedly brandished a handgun, before the victim pushed his hand away, which caused the suspect’s gun to fire. No injuries were reported. 

At the hearing, Delaney’s attorney, Elliott Queen, alerted the court of his intent to accept a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.  

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have been able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that when Delaney’s advances to the woman were turned down, he brandished a handgun, a struggle ensued and the gun was fired. 

“There are no legal justifications for his actions,” the prosecutor said.

Judge Hertzfeld asked Delaney to comply with interviews for the pre-sentence report so she could get a better understanding of his perspective and any additional details of the case.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Oct. 11.

He Was A Very Happy Teen Says Family Member of Shooting Victim

A homicide victim’s family member testified the boy was a very happy child in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Aug. 7. 

Jason Lewis, 42, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake on Jan. 7, 2023. The incident occurred on the 1000 block of Quincy Street, NE.

The victim’s grandmother said Blake was very happy and a big jokester, pulled pranks and loved food.

When the prosecution asked how Blake’s mother reacted to the news of his murder she said she “shut down” and was “hurt and lost.”

According to the prosecution, Lewis heard noise outside of his house when he was about to go to bed, grabbed his .40 caliber gun and went to see what was going on. Prosecutors say surveillance footage will prove that Lewis shot at Blake and another young individual, ultimately causing Blake’s death.

The security footage from a PNC bank and a dentist’s office down the street allegedly shows two young people get out of a gray Kia and break into several cars, one of which was Lewis’ gray Audi.

Prosecutors called on a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, who continued his testimony from Aug. 6. The prosecution asked the officer to recall if Lewis mentioned anyone shooting at him when he was interviewed at the scene. According to the officer, Lewis had not. 

During cross-examination, Lewis’ defense attorney, Edward Ungvarsky, pressed the officer about why he didn’t do CPR on Blake when he arrived at the scene. The officer believed Blake was already dead and did not want to disrupt the bullet wound as evidence in the case.

Footage from his body-worn camera, which was shown in open court, depicts the officer feeling a faint pulse, stating he was unsure, and needing a second opinion from another officer. Ungvarsky went on to ask whether the officer knew of the life-saving efforts that occurred in the ambulance and at the hospital before Blake was pronounced dead.

A forensic scientist with the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) who processed the scene described the victim’s clothes including a hoodie, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and boxer shorts. She testified that they all had a hole. According to the witness, a black ski mask was also found on the victim. 

The forensic scientist also provided testimony on a Kia Sportage, which was located in an alleyway near the incident. When officers and the forensic scientist arrived on the scene, the Kia was still in gear with the driver’s side door open and the passenger’s side door bent in the opposite direction.

Prosecutors also called the owner of a Kia Sportage who said her car was stolen after parking it at a friend’s overnight. When she returned the morning of Jan. 7, 2023, it was gone. 

A witness to the shooting said he had been unable to sleep, when he had heard noises sounding like a metal shovel. A man’s voice was heard saying, “Hey,” followed by gunshots and an engine revving. 

He recalled the first shot being very loud and sounding like a rifle, followed by three-to-five more gunshots. 

He testified he saw two people, who he said appeared to be juveniles, run into the alleyway.  At one point while looking out his window blinds, he called 911.

Once the police arrived, the witness testified, he heard what he thought was the same voice say, “Over here, over here.”

Parties are slated to return on Aug. 8 to continue with trial. 

‘Shooting Was Unprovoked,’ Prosecution Says During Closing Statements in Shooting Trial

A defense attorney said even though his client ran away from police after a shooting, it’s not a sign of guilt in closing arguments before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Aug. 6. 

Deon Cannon, 29, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, unlawful possession of ammunition and eight counts of destruction of property of less than $1000.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in an incident on Sept. 5, 2021, on the 2700 block of Terrace Road, SE. There were no reported injuries.

According to court documents, video surveillance footage from the scene shows an individual, later identified as Cannon, shooting multiple times at two victims, an adult male and his nine-year-old son, but missing them. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the scene and arrested him.

“Twenty-nine feet,” prosecutors stated, is how far away Cannon was from the victims when he shot at them. They recapped the nine-year-old’s testimony, in which he said he was walking to his grandmother’s home with his dad when an individual shot at them. He recalled he may have been hit by gunfire, mentioning a scar on his ankle, “that was not there before.”

The prosecution argued the surveillance video suggests Cannon was waiting for his victims to walk past before he started shooting. According to the prosecution, the victim shot back at Cannon, and something “a little more subtle” can be seen in the footage, which they identified as a second gunman also shooting toward the victim. 

Cannon is “not worried about friendly fire,” the prosecutors claimed, adding he is not shown hiding from this second gunman but only from the victim’s line of fire. 

The prosecution went on to say this was not a conflict, as “shooting was unprovoked.” There was “disregard” for the victim’s son’s presence, and insisted that Cannon “fired those rounds regardless.”

“The intention was to kill that day,” the prosecution insisted, adding that Cannon ran towards the victims with his gun. 

The prosecution argued trials are like puzzles, stating in this case,  “It is clear what the picture shows and that is [guilt].”

However, Jonathan Lanyi, Cannon’s defense attorney, argued the prosecution has “nothing to prove” that Cannon was the perpetrator.

Lanyi acknowledged Cannon ran away from the scene because he did not want to be considered a suspect. However, Lanyi stated, when officers told Cannon to stop, he did. 

Lanyi pointed out Cannon wasn’t clearly identified, so no one can say he was the shooter, and the nine-year-old couldn’t say what the shooter was wearing.

The lawyer argued that since there are questions about Cannon’s whereabouts during the shooting as well as a lack of credible identification, the jury should conclude there is reasonable doubt Cannon committed the crime.

The jury will begin deliberations on Aug.7.

Murder Trial Halted A Second Day Due to Jury Illness 

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun delayed an ongoing murder trial for the second day on Aug. 6 because a juror is sick. 

Antonio Murchison, 31, and his co-defendant Mark Price, 29, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation. 

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting on July 16, 2018, on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. The highly publicized crime left ten-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds.

Judge Okun postponed the proceeding until Aug. 7, in hopes the ill juror will be able to return to court and testimony can resume.

The prosecution alerted the court of a potential matter involving the Public Defender Service (PDS). Namely, a key witness may be asserting his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Judge Okun ordered a status hearing with PDS for Aug. 7 to reach a determination.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Aug. 7.