Document: MPD Arrests Suspect for Fatal Shooting in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a man involved in a fatal shooting that occurred on March 22 on the 2900 block of Gainesville Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots. Officers located an adult male shooting victim who was unconscious and not breathing in the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE. He died at the scene.

The victim was identified as 29-year-old Dimitrious Brown.

On May 16, 21-year-old Monteze Morton was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Document: Decedent Identified MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred on May 15 on the 3300 block of D Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting inside of a residence. There, they found three victims with gunshot wounds. Two of the victims were transported to a hospital for treatment. One of them, an adult male, succumbed to his injuries at the scene despite all life saving efforts. The third victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

The victim was identified as 48-year-old Detrick Ealy.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide in the District.

Document: MPD Arrests a Man for a Shooting in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a man for a shooting that occurred on March 7 on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE.

According to MPD documents, the suspect and the victim were arguing at the location, when the suspect threatened the victim, brandished a handgun and shot him. The suspect fled the scene, and the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

On May 15, 30-year-old Keith Walker turned himself in and was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Document: MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred on May 15 on the 3300 block of D Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting inside of a residence. There, they found three victims with gunshot wounds. Two of the victims were transported to a hospital for treatment. One of them, an adult male, succumbed to his injuries at the scene despite all life saving efforts. The third victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

MPD offers a reward to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide in the District.

Document: MPD Arrests 14-Year-Old for Shooting Another Teen

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a 14-year-old in connection to a shooting that injured a 16-year-old on April 26 on the 1500 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting, where they located a 16-year-old with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

On May 12, the 14-year-old boy turned himself in, and was charged with assault with intent to commit murder.

Based on ‘Totality of Evidence’ Judge Denies Acquittal for Three Co-Defendants in Murder, Conspiracy Case

In an ongoing three co-defendant murder, conspiracy case, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied a defense motion to acquit the trio. It was the second time in a week the judge failed to dismiss the case.

On May 15, before jurors entered the courtroom, the defense argued that all counts against the defendants be dismissed.

Defense attorneys Andrew Ain, Brian McDaniel, and Lisbeth Sapirstein – representing Freeman, Jackson, and Nelson, respectively – went through all the charges and, ultimately, argued that the prosecution presented insufficient proof for conviction of any crime.

There’s “no evidence of putting a firearm on Freeman’s hand,” said Ain.

However, in her ruling, the judge said based on the “totality of evidence” she reasonably inferred that the defendants intentionally joined a conspiracy and committed a dangerous and violent crime.

Judge Brandt went on to recapitulate the abundance of prosecution evidence including 101 witnesses, photographs, videos and clothing descriptions linked to the suspects.

In addition, the judge cited surveillance footage as well as text messages, fingerprints, Instagram and Facebook records and DNA on bullet remnants.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street, NW. The shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, 2020, Feb. 24, 2020, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy among the defendants in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

After Judge Brandt denied the acquittal motion, Freeman’s defense brought in its only witness, a friend of his who has previously testified.

When questioned by the prosecution, the witness referenced his relationship with Freeman, saying, “He’s like my little bro.”

Ain presented an Instagram post that included the witness’ sister’s ex-boyfriend pictured with alleged co-conspirator Steele, also known as “Gordo.”

According to previous testimony, the witness sold the firearm used in Lukes’ murder to his sister’s then boyfriend, who has claimed to have no knowledge of the March 1 incident.

The witness stated that he did not have much of a relationship with Steele or his sister’s boyfriend at the time.

“I don’t deal with them guys. I don’t mess with them like that”, stated the witness.

Freeman’s defense rested their case. He asserted his right to not testify on May 14.

McDaniel rested his case, after Jackson confirmed he did not want to testify.

Meanwhile, Nelson’s defense will call one witness. Nelson will decide whether or not he wants to testify in the coming days.

Proceedings resume on May 16.

In Fatal Stabbing, Judge Upholds Premeditation Charge Despite Self-Defense Claim

A jury heard testimony about an interaction between a homicide victim and a friend hours before his murder, after defense attorneys argued unsuccessfully to dismiss a premeditated charge in a fatal stabbing trial.

Aaron Jackson, 30, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Damohn Gill. The incident occurred on June 24, 2021, on the 3600 block of 22nd Street, SE.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Wole Faludun, motioned to dismiss the premeditated first-degree murder while armed charge after the prosecution rested its case on May 15.

Falodun argued that Jackson didn’t have enough time for his actions to be premeditated. He stated the defendant was seeing his family and “didn’t know Gill was going to be there.”

Falodun has previously stated Jackson acted in self-defense out of fear based on alleged prior altercations between him and Gill–one of which left the defendant in the hospital with three gunshot wounds in 2016.

“Premeditation can take place in a second or two,” the prosecution argued in response.

DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe stated “the nature and deepness of the wounds show there was intent to kill.”

The prosecution has previously stated Gill sustained nine stab wounds to his face, back, and torso. One of these lacerations were three inches deep and caused his “intestines to spill out.”

The medical examiner previously testified that any of the stab wounds could have caused “death by itself.”

Judge O’Keefe denied the request to dismiss the charge based on the possibility premeditation was involved and that decision is ultimately up to the jury.

The defense later called a friend of Gill’s as their first witness.

The witness affirmed the last time she saw Gill was at a shopping mall parking lot on June 24, 2021, hours before his murder.

She confirmed that as she hugged Gill to greet him, she “felt something hard on his waistband.”

The witness stated Gill pulled up his shirt and revealed part of a firearm.

The defense has alleged Jackson saw Gill with a firearm on his waistband the day of the incident and his actions that followed were intended to protect his life.

The witness added she has no type of relationship with Jackson and had never heard about him at the time of the murder.

Falodun confirmed Jackson will be testifying on his own next time the court is in session.

Parties are set to return on May 20.

Acquitted: Federal Agent Says Surveillance Network Video Captured Homicide Scene

Editor’s note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Brothers is still being held on homicide charges in another case.

A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent testified about a national network of surveillance cameras that prosecutors say captured a 2019 fatal shooting incident in the District. The trial testimony was presented before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on May 15.

Davonte Brothers, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 27-year-old Deron Leake, also known as “Snoop”, on Oct. 17, 2019, on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE. The incident also left one individual with non-life threatening injuries.

The witness explained the DEA has telephone pole-mounted cameras that watch neighborhoods throughout the United States where there is suspected drug-related crime.

He said the DEA had a camera facing the area where the shooting occurred, and that Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives wanted to review footage around the time of the incident.

Prosecutors played the footage in court which allegedly shows Brothers and the victim in the courtyard of an apartment complex, before what prosecutors say is Brothers fleeing the scene and jumping into a car.

According to prosecutors, Leake and three of his closest friends, who all claimed to be “blood brothers,” were hanging out on the day of the incident, before ending up at the Cascade Park Apartments and getting into an argument.

Leake and his group left the area following the dispute in an attempt to go back to their vehicle. However, prosecutors claim Brothers shot Leake in the head, killing him instantly, then shot one of his friends twice in the legs.

Prosecutors claim Brothers fled to Maryland.

Prosecutors also showcased multiple pieces of evidence recovered from the scene by MPD and the DC Department of Forensic Sciences (DCDFS), including two firearms, one of which was found in the victim’s hand, as well as numerous cartridge casings, and discarded clothing.

Parties will return for further witness testimony on May 16.

Metro Bus Footage Captures Fatal Stabbing During Tussle

Prosecutors presented Metro bus video surveillance footage allegedly showing a suspect chasing, then fatally confronting a murder victim. The testimony came in a May 15 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan who found probable cause in the case.

Christian Wilkerson, 21, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the Nov. 11, 2022, stabbing death of twenty-year-old Rashawn Phifer on the 500 block of Riggs Road, NE.

Under questioning from the prosecutor, the lead detective on the case from the Metropolitan Police (MPD) detailed the chronology of the assault, highlighting video surveillance footage from different angles of a moving Metro bus near the Riggs LaSalle recreation center in Northeast Washington, DC.

The video, played in court, shows an altercation among a group of three people on the sidewalk. Then the victim runs across Nicholson Street, NE with a suspect, identified as Wilkerson, wearing a red-hooded sweatshirt in pursuit. When the suspect catches up with Phifer, he pins him to a fence; the victim breaks away, then collapses though the stabbing is not seen on camera.

According to court documents, one of the witnesses told Wilkerson, “Bruh, you just stabbed my man!”

The detective said two witnesses identified Wilkerson as the perpetrator.

A police report claims Wilkerson later boasted about the killing online.

The lead detective said along with eyewitness accounts, they were able to trace Wilkerson through his cell phone number with records subpoenaed from T-Mobile.

During cross examination, defense attorney Joseph Caleb pointed out that the suspect was wearing a Sheisty mask covering the face except for the eyes, but the mask dropped off during the melee.

“I can’t recall the first time [the witnesses] saw the suspect’s face,” said the detective. Nor could the detective identify the origin of the altercation though, he said, it may have stemmed from an earlier attempt to buy shoes from Wilkerson.

“Did Wilkerson have a beef with the defendant?” asked Caleb. The detective said he was not aware of any conflict between the two.

However, Caleb pointed out that Phifer stole Wilkerson’s phone during the incident. The detective acknowledged that the video shows an object on the ground thought to be a cellphone. Further, he said there was an Instagram post indicating an attempt to steal the defendant’s phone.

In her finding of probable cause, Judge Raffinan released Wilkerson to home confinement and GPS monitoring.

A felony status conference was scheduled for July 2.

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Mass Shooting Suspect Vacillates on Plea Offer, Then Detained

A non-fatal mass shooting defendant, who planned to accept a prosecution plea offer, rejected it during a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Rennwel Mantock, 29, is charged with six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that injured six individuals. The incident occurred on April 26 on the 1200 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, outside of Decades nightclub.

On May 14, parties told Judge Okun they had reached an agreement, which required Mantock to plead guilty to one count of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges and the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Mantock had signed all waivers and the agreement, and Judge Okun asked Mantock if he understood the plea.

Throughout the inquiry, Mantock hesitated to answer, before interrupting and stating “I’m confused. It wasn’t my intention to kill anybody,” while questioning why the assault charge included the intent to kill.

“You shouldn’t plead guilty if you don’t think you’re guilty of these charges,” Judge Okun told him, offering to give him a chance to further discuss the plea and his decision with his attorney, William Patzig.

Then Mantock told the court, “I’d like to apologize to the victim, her family, and anyone this may affect… I apologize deeply.”

One of the victims, who was celebrating her bachelorette party and sustained a gunshot wound to her calf, was present.

Following a break, Mantock’s family members repeatedly stated, “Don’t plead guilty, please.” Moments later, as the prosecution finished reading the proffer of facts, Mantock told the court “I want to apologize to the victims once again. I don’t think I’m going to plead guilty.”

Due to his rejection of the plea deal, prosecutors called the lead detective on the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified that Mantock had been arrested minutes after the shooting, “about half a block away” from Decades.

Prosecutors presented body-worn camera footage from a responding officer that showed Mantock being taken into custody. As he was arrested, a security guard from Decades came running, telling MPD, “That’s him right there,” and adding, “We’ve got somebody shot.”

According to the detective, Mantock was arrested on the 1700 block of N Street, NW, and a security guard from Decades, who had followed Mantock from the club, sustained an injury to the leg and was receiving aid from his boss at the other end of the block.

“Go back to Decades, there’s more people there that are shot,” the manager can be heard telling MPD.

The detective also testified that, as the officers ran to Decades, a bystander pointed out that the suspect had disposed of his firearm under one of the cars on the 1700 block of N Street, NW.

The bystander, who told police he watched the shooting happen, told them “[Mantock] was irate and started shooting into Decades,” after he was forcibly removed by security.

Prosecutors also provided surveillance footage from the entrance of the club, which depicted two security guards dragging an individual identified as Mantock out of the club, before putting him on the street.

As the security guards walk away, the individual identified as Mantock can be seen removing a gun from his waistband and opening fire at the crowd of people by the front door. In visible fear, the victims can be seen ducking for safety.

Footage also depicts the individual identified as Mantock running back into the club as he continued to open fire, before walking away from the scene.

Prosecutors also presented the court with video of an interview of Mantock conducted by the detective and his partner.

In the footage, Mantock can be heard telling the detectives, “I was just there having a few drinks… I didn’t do nothing wrong,” before claiming that, as he was dragged out of the club, the security guards punched his face multiple times.

However, the detective stated there were no visible signs of injury. According to the detective, security told MPD Mantock had been removed from the club due to “erratic behavior.”

“Defensive reflexes…” Mantock told detectives, “As soon as I’m free, I defend myself.”

“I just reacted, I never know what’s going to happen next,” he claimed.

“Everything was happening so fast, I’m in this adrenaline rush,” he said, adding “I shot at these guys… two or three times, and then I just go away.”

“I was trying to defend myself,” Mantock can be heard telling detectives. “When I got free, that was my first thought,” he said.

When detectives asked if he had intended to strike the bouncer that dragged him out of the club, Mantock replied “If I say no, I’m lying.”

Following the witness’ testimony, the prosecutor argued that they had “provided more than enough evidence to prove probable cause” that he was attempting to kill the victims, adding that he injured or attempted to injure a specific person by using force.

According to the prosecution, the defendant “appears to be smiling as he’s carried out [by security], almost nonchalantly.”

“He continued to fire the gun, shooting at least ten rounds into the club,” the prosecution insisted.

However, Patzig claimed “[Mantock] was afraid for his own safety,” insisting that his running away from the scene proved his fear, and only shot in an attempt to defend himself.

Despite Patzig’s self-defense argument, Judge Okun found probable cause for all charges, explaining that Mantock’s use of violent force, voluntarily and not by accident, meets the requirement for probable cause.

Judge Okun also said that Patzig’s self-defense argument is “exceedingly weak,” insisting there was no proof that Mantock was in imminent danger, as the security guards had placed him on the ground and walked away from him.

“It is a miracle this case is not a multi-homicide case,” insisted the prosecution, as they requested Judge Okun to order Mantock detained.

Patzig argued Mantock has two young children, with a third on its way, and has no criminal history that shows he would be a danger to the community or a flight risk.

However, Judge Okun ruled that because of the nature and circumstances of the incident, he continues to pose a danger to the community.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 5.

Defendant Rejects Second Plea Deal Linked to Brutal Shooting Murder

A homicide defendant rejected a second plea deal and scheduled a trial date before DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe.

Jaykell Mason, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and assault on a police officer while armed in connection to the death of 29-year-old Terence Dantzler that occurred on Feb. 13, 2020, on the 700 block of 8th Street, NW. Following an exchange of gunfire with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, Mason was taken into custody.

According to court documents, Dantzler had brain matter all over his face due to multiple gunshots to his head and body.

On June 23, 2022, Mason rejected a plea deal that would have reduced his charges to two counts of second-degree murder while armed and one count of felony assault on a police officer while armed.

On May 14, Mason rejected a second plea deal.

If the offer was accepted, Mason’s charges would have been reduced to one count of second-degree murder while armed and one count of felony assault on a police officer while armed.

Jackson’s trial is now scheduled for September 2025.

Parties are slated to return Aug. 8, 2025.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing, Ordered Detained

A homicide defendant waived his preliminary hearing, and DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo denied his request for release in a May 14 hearing.

James Outland, 25, and Bobby Gupton, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Tavonayna Glenn on June 28, 2023, on the 700 block of 19th Street, NE.

According to court documents, a suspect fired 44 shots at the location, fatally injuring Glenn, before getting in an orange Dodge Charger and fleeing the scene.

At a hearing on Jan. 10, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found that Gupton was one of the perpetrators for the shooting and ordered him detained.

During the May 14 hearing, Michael Bruckheim, Outland’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Demeo he was waiving his right to a preliminary hearing, and requested he be released pending future proceeding dates.

However, prosecutors argued based on the nature and circumstances of the incident, he remains a danger to the community, and no combination of conditions can guarantee its safety.

Judge Demeo agreed with the prosecution, and ordered Outland remain detained.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 21.

Bad Blood Between Two Friends Leads to Stabbing Homicide

Attorneys in a homicide trial argued on May 14 their client acted in self-defense after the prosecution showed footage of a fatal stabbing during opening statements before DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe.

Aaron Jackson, 30, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Damohn Gill. The incident occurred on June 24, 2021, on the 3600 block of 22nd Street, SE.

According to the prosecution, Gill and his pregnant girlfriend were spending the day together when they decided to make a quick stop at the crime scene where Jackson stabbed his childhood friend, Gill, nine times, with the lacerations being three inches deep, causing his “intestines to spill out.”

A surveillance video showed an individual identified as Jackson getting into a physical altercation with Gill as he tries to get away from him after Jackson allegedly pulled out a knife.

Gill eventually falls to the ground out of camera range after being stabbed multiple times. Several people were seen nearby as the individual identified as Jackson fled.

The defense’s opening arguments shed light on the history between the defendant and Gill.

According to Wole Faludun, Jackson’s defense attorney, Jackson and Gill were best friends from childhood until 2013, when Jackson refused to provide his brother’s location to Gill, who was deemed “a snitch.”

Falodun stated that the defendant had been a victim of a shooting in 2016, during which he sustained three gunshot wounds to the stomach. The shooter was allegedly Gill, but Jackson never revealed this information to the police because, “snitches get stitches.”

Jackson was allegedly the victim of a second shooting in 2017 committed by Gill. He never disclosed Gill’s identity for the same reason.

According to Falodun, on the day of Gill’s death, he refused to shake hands with Jackson and stated “What the f**k are you doing around here?” claiming Jackson had been barred from the neighborhood.

Faludun affirmed that after Jackson pulled out a knife and his mother tried to hold him back, Gill stated “Don’t hold him, he’s about to die anyway.”

According to the defense, Jackson saw that Gill had a firearm on his waistband that day and his actions were not intended to kill Gill, but to protect his life.

Following opening statements, the prosecution called the defendant’s mother as an eyewitness to the fatal stabbing.

The witness confirmed Jackson had arrived in the neighborhood to get marijuana from her nephew, who was living with her at the time.

The defendant’s mother testified that Jackson and Gill arrived almost at the same time, but she was on the phone with her boyfriend and wasn’t paying much attention to the situation.

When she eventually looked over, she allegedly noticed Jackson had a knife in his hand and proceeded to try to pull him away from Gill.

“He wasn’t him,” the witness stated. As she tried to pull Jackson back, he told her, “Get the f**k off of me.” Frightened, she proceeded to walk away, still on the phone with her boyfriend.

The witness also stated she “couldn’t stand” Gill and had told Jackson to “stop hanging out” with him because “they were always getting into trouble.”

In cross-examination by Falodun, the witness confirmed she had visited Jackson in the hospital in 2016, due to gunshot wounds.

After being asked as to why she didn’t move until after the incident knowing it was a dangerous neighborhood by Falodun, she affirmed witness protection had moved her away. The witness stated she was getting threatened the day after the incident.

She said she didn’t want to be present and “go against her own son,” but had to in light of a subpoena.

Parties are set to continue witness testimony May 15.

Prosecutors Rest Following a Three Month Trial Focusing on Guns, Texts

In a three month murder, conspiracy trial against three co-defendants, the prosecution rested its case after reintroducing its final three witnesses before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street, NW. The shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, 2020, Feb. 24, 2020, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy among the defendants in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

On May 14, the prosecution called back to the stand a forensic firearm examiner who analyzed firearm evidence seized in this case. The examiner stated he received the five firearms allegedly used to advance the defendants’ conspiracy. The weapons include a Polymer 80, Glock 19, Glock 22, Glock 26, and M&P 40.

According to the examiner, there were eleven nine-millimeter cartridge casings recovered from one shooting. After analyzing the evidence, the examiner stated that three of the cartridge casings retrieved were consistent with what would have been fired from a Polymer 80 and the remaining eight cartridge casings were consistent with what would have been fired from a Glock 26.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, argued that one cannot be certain the casings were fired from one specific firearm, and that this does not show that the same individual fired the guns.

Prosecutors have previously provided evidence that none of the defendants were licensed to carry firearms in the District.

Before resting their case, the prosecution called an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who works in the Violent Crimes Department. He testified regarding the apparently coded text messages and Instagram direct message exchanges among phone numbers and social media accounts registered to the defendants and associates about getting and selling firearms.

The witness was questioned about the semantics of the messages – for instance, “stick,” “dog,” and “joints,” which the officer interpreted as referring to firearms.

The prosecution rested its case.

Proceedings will continue on May 15.

Acquitted: ‘This is the Kind of Case That Wrongful Convictions are Made of,’ Insists Defense in Homicide Trial

Editor’s note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Brothers is still being held on homicide charges in another case.

Parties delivered opening statements before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein’s courtroom on May 14.

Devonte Brothers, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 27-year-old Deron Leake, also known as “Snoop”, on Oct. 17, 2019, on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE. The incident also left one other individual suffering from non-life threatening injuries.

“Pride. This man chose his own pride over the life of Deron Leake,” claimed the prosecution in their opening arguments.

According to prosecutors, Leake and three of his closest friends, who all claimed to be “blood brothers,” were hanging out on the day of the incident, before ending up at the Cascade Park Apartment complex, where Leake spent a lot of his childhood.

As they walked around, prosecutors claim, Leake “dapped up,” or “fist-bumped” a lot of the people whom he knew from his childhood. They ended up going into one of the buildings, where they encountered a group of five-to-eight individuals.

According to the prosecution, Leake dapped up everyone in the group, which included Brothers. “You don’t know me like that,” prosecutors said Brothers told Leake, which led to a verbal altercation.

Leake and his group left the area following the dispute in an attempt to go back to their vehicle. However, prosecutors claim Brothers intercepted the group in the yard, shot Leake in the head, killing him instantly, before shooting one of his friends twice on the legs.

Prosecutors claim that, following the shooting, Brothers left the area on foot, before getting in a car and fleeing to Maryland.

Evidence, prosecutors say, “is going to tell [the jury] beyond a reasonable doubt that this man, the defendant, shot Deron Leake and [his friend]… hold this man accountable for his actions.”

However, Molly Bunke, Brothers’ defense attorney, claimed “this is the kind of case that wrongful convictions are made of,” adding that physical and forensic evidence exonerates him of all charges.

“This is terrifying,” she said of the possibility that Brothers could be wrongfully convicted, “[He] is innocent.”

According to Bunke, Brothers grew up in the complex and still has family and friends that live in the area. “There is nothing sinister or criminal about that,” she said.

She insisted, “the science tells [the jury] he had nothing to do with this incident,” adding that “this is a classic case of misidentification.”

“An innocent man sits before you… I cannot think of anything more terrifying,” she insisted, adding “put an end to the nightmare he’s lived.”

Following opening statements, prosecutors called on the first responding officer at the scene.

According to the officer, who is now a detective sergeant, he was in the area when he heard gunshots.

In his body-worn camera, which was shown to the court, the witness can be heard on the radio “I’ve got two people down,” before telling Leake’s friend “I see you man,” as he attempted to toss a firearm.

According to the witness, Leake’s friend was arrested that day for carrying a pistol without a license.

“Is he dead?,” Leake’s friend could be heard asking the witness. “He’s struggling right now,” the officer replied.

The witness testified to not being able to render aid to Leake concerned that his two friend were still able to get the surviving victim’s firearm . He added he called for backup, but it was too late. Leake was dead.

He also located a firearm and a black face mask in Leake’s possession.

A woman who had known Leake since his childhood in the complex testified to seeing him in the morning leading up to the shooting.

“He was happy, he was smiling… I told him to be safe,” she said of their interaction and his demeanor.

However, a few hours later, as she was leaving her mom’s apartment at the Cascade Park complex, she heard shots fired, and in an attempt to ensure her niece was safe she went out to the courtyard. There, she testified, she looked at the victim and “realized it was Snoop.”

Prosecutors also called on an officer who collected a bullet fragment recovered from the surviving victim at a local hospital.

According to the officer, he rode on the ambulance to the hospital with the victim because he was under arrest and to ensure his safety.

Body-worn camera footage from the hospital showed a nurse showing the surviving victim the bullet fragment that was removed from his legs before putting it in an evidence cup and giving it to the officer.

According to the officer, he took the fragment to the Homicide Branch of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) to pick it up.

Following his testimony, prosecutors called a special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), who was deemed a cell site expert, and testified that Brothers’ cell-phone was in the area leading up to and during the shooting. However, he said, his phone began to flee towards Maryland in the moments after the shooting.

During cross examination, Dominique Winters, Brothers’ other defense attorney questioned whether or not the cell site data could prove that he was in the exact location of the incident. According to the special agent, the exact location of the phone cannot be tracked.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 15.

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