Parties Begin Closing Statements in Homicide Trial

On Jan. 30, parties delivered closing statements before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo in a multi-week homicide trial.

Vorreze Thomas, 25, and his uncle Delonta Stevenson, 28, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, and two counts of assault with intent to kill, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Terrance Allen. The incident occurred on Jan. 18, 2021, on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE, and left two other individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.

All three victims were found inside a vehicle at the scene.

The prosecution began their closing statements by presenting a timeline of the events on the day of the crime.

The prosecution alleged that at 10:25 a. m., the car, occupied by the victims, was parked outside the home of one of the surviving victim’s mothers while someone in the neighborhood had then alerted Stevenson and Thomas to the victim’s arrival.

The prosecution presented the jury with voice messages and texts to corroborate this, as well as security footage of Thomas allegedly receiving a call inside of a Shell gas station.

Next, the prosecution alleged that Thomas drove his green Volvo to the neighborhood, while Stevenson walked there.

Security camera footage was used to corroborate these statements.

Then, prosecution showed footage of two individuals in front of the apartment complex pulling firearms out of their bags before re-entering the green Volvo when they saw a white car drive past.

The white car was driven by Allen, and had the two surviving victims as passengers.

After intercepting the white car, prosecution showed video footage of it crashing after rounds were fired from inside the green Volvo. The green Volvo was then seen driving off.

Then, as an eyewitness had testified, two individuals driving the Volvo crashed it into a parked vehicle and abandoned it, fleeing into a wooded area where the alleged murder weapon was later discovered.

Security video footage then showed two individuals walking to a bus stop and getting into a bus; the prosecution alleged that these individuals in the footage were Stevenson and Thomas.

The prosecution stated that “maybe one of these things would be a coincidence, maybe two things. But all of them feeding into each other?”

To establish a motive, the prosecution said that in November of 2020, Stevenson was shot and fell into a coma, and many of his close friends and family members blamed one of the surviving victims, who had formerly been Stevenson’s best friend, for the shooting.

The prosecution cited revenge as the motive for the shooting with disregard for other individuals present as the defendants had shot and killed Allen instead.

The prosecution highlighted that “Twenty-three minutes passed between when Stevenson found out that the victim was at the apartment and when Allen was fatally shot,” and “Twenty-three minutes were minutes he had that he could have made a different decision.”

They requested the jury find both defendants guilty of all charges.

Stevenson’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, highlighted various inconsistencies with the evidence presented by the prosecution.

Weller argued that Stevenson is not the individual involved regarding the homicide or shooting and mentioned that “there is no real proof” Stevenson is the individual in any of the surveillance footage.

Weller pointed out how no witness, besides one, has identified Stevenson to be present before, during, or after the incident.

Weller then questioned the integrity of the sole witness who identified Stevenson as present at the scene of the crime.

Weller emphasized how the witness received a “sweetheart” plea deal which included cash and rent assistance, in relation to a different case, from the prosecution in exchange for providing substantial assistance–a notion later challenged by the prosecution.

Weller finished her statement by stating that the witness was “telling them what he thinks they want to hear,” referring to the prosecutions’ storyline. Afterwards, Weller reviewed and argued on the inconsistencies stemming from the DNA analysis of evidence.

Weller explained that a witness who reviewed the DNA analysis wrote that it “did not make intuitive sense” and insisted the system used to test an individual’s relationship with evidence through DNA is biased as it assumes “guilt” and “the person is a contributor.”

Weller stated “if you’re confused, you should be” and repeatedly stated “it doesn’t make sense.”

Ultimately, Weller concluded by highlighting the significance of what proof beyond a reasonable doubt means and doesn’t mean. She stated that a “reasonable doubt” is what would cause a person on the jury to “pause and think” before convicting someone of a crime.

She stated that if the jury had feelings of being “pretty sure that the defendant committed the crime” or “sure that the defendant committed the crime, but the prosecution didn’t make a good argument,” then they must find the defendant not guilty, as one must feel certain with no hesitation that the defendant is guilty in order to convict them.

Thomas’ defense attorney, Howard McEachern, is expected to present his closing statement in the next hearing.

Trial is scheduled to resume Jan. 31.

Closing Statements Delivered in Homicide Trial

On Jan. 30, witness testimony and closing arguments were presented in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Elhadji Ndiaye, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, tampering with physical evidence, destruction of property, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Travis Ruth. The incident occurred on Jan. 18, 2019 at the 2700 block of Jasper Street, NE.

The defense called the last witness, a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) homicide unit. The witness testified that moments before Ruth’s fatal shooting, an eyewitness contacted an unidentified individual trying to buy pills.

Nikki Lotze, Ndiaye’s defense attorney, suggested two eyewitnesses, friends of the defendant and the decedent, worked together to kill Ruth.

Lotze said the two moved the victim out of a green Honda Accord and relocated the car in a neighboring alley.

The prosecution said that the timing does not support this view, rather that it would make more sense if Ndiaye had committed the crime since the car was recovered by police near the defendant’s home.

During the prosecution’s closing argument, they claimed that the close relationship between Ruth and the other individuals involved and the location where the car was found proves beyond a reasonable doubt that Ndiaye was responsible for Ruth’s death.

The defense cited the lack of forensic evidence and that nothing that places Ndiaye at the crime scene. Further, the police and prosecutors failed to fully investigate the matter–all of which attest to Ndiaye’s innocence.

Both parties rested their case and jury deliberations are set to begin on Jan. 31.

Suspect in DC Carjackings and Homicides Reported Dead in Prince George’s County, Maryland

A man believed responsible for a series of carjacking and shooting incidents in DC and nearby communities was shot to death by police in Prince George’s County, Maryland on Jan. 30, according to local law enforcement authorities.

The suspect has been identified by the Maryland Attorney General’s office as Artell Cunningham, 28, of Suitland, Maryland.

“The violence that we saw yesterday was senseless and tragic,” said DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, at a Jan. 30 news conference detailing the violence episode.

The crime spree began on Jan. 29 at approximately 5:45 pm on the 900 block of K Street, NW when Cunningham reportedly entered a vehicle and shot his first victim who collapsed on the sidewalk. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries, where he succumbed to his injuries on Feb. 3. The victim was identified as 56-year-old Michael Gill.

Following the initial attack, Cunningham moved on to at least two other locations in the District, carjacking vehicles and fatally shooting a motorist at the 300 block of N Street, NE. He was identified by authorities as 35-year-old Alberto Vasquez Jr. and his vehicle was later recovered in Prince George’s County, MD.

“We immediately began to comb through video footage, interview witnesses that were there on the scene” to see if the events were connected, said Jeffery Carroll, Executive Assistant Chief of the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) at the news conference.

In Carroll’s account, Cunningham fled DC in a stolen car as police departments in the area were alerted to the threat. Overnight, he fired at a Metropolitan Police Department cruiser, striking a door but leaving the officer uninjured.

Later, the suspect fired a bullet that struck the windshield of a Maryland State Trooper’s vehicle, according to a department spokesman, again without causing injury.

Cunningham is thought to have carjacked at least two other vehicles after leaving DC.

Police from New Carrollton, Maryland caught up with Cunningham while investigating a car that was abandoned in a roadway. When they confronted him at 4:30 a.m. on the 7500 block of Annapolis Road in Hyattsville, Maryland, he reportedly brandished two weapons and two officers opened fire, killing him.

So far, authorities don’t have a motive. However, Carroll says MPD was contacted by an individual who knew Cunningham who said he suffered from mental health issues.

The officers involved in the shooting were put on routine administrative leave pending a required investigation by the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, according to a department spokesman who confirmed accounts of the crime.

Document: MPD Searching for a Suspect in Shooting – Suspect Killed in Shooting With PG County Police

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect involved in a non-fatal shooting on Jan. 29 on the 900 block of New York Avenue, NW.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an unconscious person, where they located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound injury. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. The detectives’ investigation revealed that the offense occurred on the 900 block of K Street, NW.

The suspect was captured by surveillance cameras nearby.

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

According to PG County police, the suspect was shot and killed in an unrelated matter at the 7500 block of Annapolis Road in Hyattsville, MD. He was alleged to have been involved in a shooting with officers.

His identity has yet to be released.

Judge Grants Motions to Introduce Evidence From Prosecution in Co-Defendant Murder Trial

On Jan. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt addressed two motions submitted by prosecution to admit a witness’s 911 call and body worn camera footage into evidence.

Koran Jackson, 23,Reginald Steele, 24, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, Stephen Nelson, 22, and Aaron Dequan Brown, 27, are 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.

Steele is also being charged with assault with the intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a second shooting on March 20, which injured a seven-year-old and killed a second victim.

During the hearing, prosecutors played a two-part 911 call from a witness who had told the dispatcher she’d seen the shooting, and described the suspects vehicle as “small”, “brown”, and having a Maryland license plate. The witness claimed that she had been following behind the car, but lost sight of it.

The prosecution also submitted three different exhibits of body-worn camera footage from Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers. The first exhibit showed officers responding to Malachi Lukes, who died before they arrived at the scene on March 1, 2020. The second and third exhibits showed officers tending to the wounds of the victim of the non-fatal shooting on March 20.

Freeman’s counsel, Shawn Sukumar, objected to entering both audio and visual evidence into the court, on the basis of the statements being “premeditated”. Objections to entering 911 calls centered around the complainant providing a “reflective’ statement,” and not indicating any stress from the event.

The prosecution responded by stating that the witness immediately called 911 after seeing the incident, and was startled in a manner that shows “‘excitement.”

There were similar objections raised to introducing the body-worn camera footage. The defense argued that the questions asked by MPD officers indicated that they were “gathering information for a prosecution.”

However, the prosecution countered by stating that their actions were understandable ‘to meet the ongoing emergency,” and that officers acted to keep the victims and community safe.

Judge Brandt first addressed the motion to introduce body-worn camera footage, and stated that the officers’ questions did not violate any rules regarding evidence. The 911 call was similarly accepted, although the judge did underline that it was not an “excited utterance” as is generally required.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan 31, as Judge Brandt is expected to deliver a ruling on whether evidence relating to a defendant’s phone is admissible into evidence.

Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss Murder Case on Mental Grounds

On January 29, DC Superior Court Judge Raffinan denied a motion to dismiss charges against a murder defendant.

Alisa Randall, 35, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 59-year-old Ronald Jones, on July 15, 2019, on the 1300 block of Euclid Street, NW.

According to court documents, Jones suffered two superficial stab wounds on his left arm and one fatal stab wound to his upper chest.

Randall’s defense counsel, Dana Page, argued Randall’s case should be dismissed since she was diagnosed as schizophrenic by three psychologists.

Page also cited previous case law from State v. Slye in Ohio, which led to a dismissal of charges due to mental incapacity. The defense reiterated that Randall will never become capable of standing trial, and that she should be treated similarly to the precedent setting case.

Jones’ sister provided a victim impact statement, stating, “She is breathing the same air that my brother will never breathe again,” and wanted Judge Raffinan to recommit Randall to an in-patient psychiatric facility.

Judge Raffinan refused to the charges, stating that the legal prerequisites had not been met.

Parties are slated to return Oct. 22.

Murder Defendants Granted Release Because of Evidence Delays

On Jan. 26, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted two co-defendants release while they await trial because of delayed test results from the prosecution.

Charles Jeter, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and Kevin Sewell, 33, with conspiracy to commit murder in relation to the shooting of 46-year-old Kevin Robinson on Nov. 30, 2014, at the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE. Robinson was Sewell’s father.

Judge Epstein initially denied a motion to sever the co-defendants’ trials.

Prosecutors filed a motion to continue the trial date, previously scheduled for Feb. 12, on the grounds that they are awaiting results from DNA testing. However, since the documents relating to the DNA testing were submitted after the deadline a new trial date was scheduled for Nov. 12.

The judge noted that if he were to continue the trial, he would have to consider releasing the defendants because the “delay is substantial,” and an additional “nine months is a long time” to keep the co-defendants detained.

Judge Epstein added, “Stated broadly, I do not think the defendants should be released.” However, given the law, he released both defendants ahead of trial, since the postponement was caused by the prosecution’s failure to complete the DNA testing on time.

The Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) found the co-defendants eligible for release, and Judge Epstein placed them under home confinement and GPS monitoring.

The judge explained the danger the defendants present to the community is “not enough to continue detention” and that “the delay in DNA testing took away (his) option.”

Jeter’s mother told D.C Witness that she is “relieved” at his release saying “If you don’t have evidence within 10 years, it’s a mess,” referring to the decade old prosecution.

Parties are slated to return June 7.

Case Acquitted: Witness Testimony Concludes in Shooting trial

Donnell Tucker was acquitted of all charges on Jan. 31, 2024.

On Jan. 29, the final witnesses for the prosecution and the defense finished testifying in a non-fatal shooting case in DC Superior Judge Robert Salerno’s courtroom.

Donnell Tucker, 27, is charged with one count of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, one count of burglary while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and one count of conspiracy for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 28, 2023, on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE.

On Nov. 6, 2023, Tucker’s mother, Tiaquana Chandler, 42, was convicted in connection to the shooting. She was convicted of conspiracy, but was acquitted of first-degree burglary, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, soliciting a violent crime, and additional possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charges.

The first prosecution witness was an employee of the DC Department of Vital Records Division who verified Tucker’s official birth certificate to the court. The name and date of birth on the certificate were the same as the defendant’s present in the courtroom, and named Chandler as the mother.

In her cross examination Tucker’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, pointed out that it is “not uncommon” for mothers residing in Washington DC to go to Maryland to deliver which would not be reflected in DC records.

“So you don’t know how many children the father might have had?” asked King when she learned only records of the mother were kept at the birth of a child. In response, the prosecution quickly reminded the court the records spanned from 1990 to 2023.

The next witness was from the DC Department of Corrections (DOC), who verified eight phone calls made by Chandler from the DC Jail.

In her cross examination, King focused her questioning into the reliability of the DOC filing system for calls.

The prosecution holds that, because the system has worked successfully for the courts many times since its inception in 2018, it should pose no threat in this case.

The defense called a certified investigator to testify that Tucker did not have any tattoos on his neck. This was inconsistent with previous eyewitness testimony that identified the assailant as having prominent neck tattoos.

Closing arguments are set for Jan. 30, to be followed by jury deliberations.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment

On Jan. 29, Lorenzo Goldsmith pleaded not guilty during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Goldsmith, 20, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the shooting that claimed the life of 39-year-old Aaron Robinson. The incident occurred on Feb. 4, 2023, on the 1400 block of Spring Road, NW.

According to court documents, officers were called to a shooting, where they found Robinson in the hall of a residential building. DC Medical Services were called and confirmed the victim was dead at the crime scene.

During the hearing, Dana Page, Goldsmith’s defense attorney, alerted the court he is pleading not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to return April 26.

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Request for Release

On Jan. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied a homicide defendant’s request for release.

David Pena, 47, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Maurice Robinson, 24, on June 12, 2023, on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE. On June 13, Robinson succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.

According to documents from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), which were adopted as testimony by a detective in an Aug. 16, 2023 hearing, the shooting was a result of a “street-brawl” that ensued when one group showed up at the crime scene allegedly looking to start a fight with Pena’s family member. The two groups were seen fighting one another.

Pena’s defense attorney, Dana Page, motioned for the reconsideration of detention, arguing that Pena had reason to shoot Robinson, who was carrying a knife. Prosecution opposed the motion, referencing three witness’ statements confirming Pena as the shooter.

Judge Brandt acknowledged Pena as having a large and nurturing family, however, denied the motion due to Pena’s “spontaneous dangerousness” and hot-temper during the altercation. The court highlighted Pena’s two prior charges of possession of a firearm without a license, adding that Pena knew he shouldn’t have a gun at the time of the incident.

Prosecution noted their indictment deadline is March.

Pena continues to be held at DC Jail without bond.

Parties are slated to return March 14.

Judge Grants Motions to Introduce Evidence From Prosecution in Co-defendant Murder Trial

On Jan. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt addressed two motions submitted by prosecution to admit a witness’s 911 call and police body worn camera footage into evidence.

Koran Jackson, 23,Reginald Steele, 24, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, Stephen Nelson, 22, and Aaron Dequan Brown, 27, are 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.

Steele is also being charged with assault with the intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a second shooting on March 20, which injured a seven-year-old and killed a second victim.

During the hearing, prosecutors played a two-part 911 call from a witness who had told the dispatcher she’d seen the shooting, and described the suspect’s vehicle as “small”, “brown”, and having a Maryland license plate. The witness claimed that she had been following behind the car, but lost sight of it.

The prosecution also submitted three different exhibits of body-worn camera footage from Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers. The first exhibit showed officers responding to Malachi Lukes, who died before they arrived at the scene on March 1, 2020. The second and third exhibits showed officers tending to the wounds of the victim of the non-fatal shooting on March 20.

Freeman’s counsel, Shawn Sukumar, objected to entering both audio and visual evidence into the court, on the basis of the statements being “premeditated.” Objections to entering 911 calls centered around the complainant providing a ‘reflective’ statement, and not indicating any stress from the event.

The prosecution responded by stating that the witness immediately called 911 after seeing the incident, and was startled in a manner that shows “excitement.”

There were similar objections raised to introducing the body-worn camera footage. The defense argued that the questions asked by MPD officers indicated that they were “gathering information for a prosecution.” However, the prosecution countered by stating that their actions were understandable “to meet the ongoing emergency,” and that officers acted to keep the victims and community safe.

Judge Brandt first addressed the motion to introduce body-worn camera footage, and stated that the officers’ questions did not violate any rules regarding evidence. The 911 call was similarly accepted, although the judge did underline that it was not an ‘excited utterance’ as is generally required.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan 31, as Judge Brandt is expected to deliver a ruling on whether evidence relating to a defendant’s phone is admissible into evidence.

Document: MPD Investigating Traffic Fatality in Southeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the death of a man after a traffic trash on Jan. 27, on the 600 block of L Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, a pick-up truck was parked at the location when a male pedestrian walked westbound, in the street, towards the truck. As the pedestrian reached the driver’s side door, the pick-u truck began to move and struck the pedestrian.

The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The victim was identified as 37-year-old Torre Desmond Gray Sr.

The driver of the truck fled the scene, but later contacted police.

The preliminary investigation revealed the individuals knew one another.

Anyone with knowledge of the incident should call police.

Document: MPD Searching for Shooting Suspect Vehicle

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect vehicle involved in a non-fatal shooting on Jan. 26 on the 1200 block of I Street, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots, where they located an 18-year-old male and female suffering from gunshot wounds. They were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

The suspect’s vehicle was described as a white SUV, and was captured by nearby surveillance camera.

Document: MPD Searching for Northeast Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect in reference to a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on Jan. 11 on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of sounds of gunshots, where they located evidence of a shooting, but no victim. Shortly after, a victim was located at a local hospital seeking treatment for critical gunshot wounds.

The suspect was captured by surveillance footage nearby.

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

Pre-Trial Motions Continue in Homicide Case of 13-Year-Old Boy

On Jan. 25, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony to rule on a defendant’s motion to suppress autopsy photographs of the victim.

Koran Jackson, 23, Reginald Steele, 24, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, Stephen Nelson, 22 and Aaron Dequan Brown, 27, are 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 incident also left a seven-year-old boy suffering from gunshot wound injuries.

Steele’s defense attorney, Megan Allburn, cross examined the prosecution’s witness, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, who testified that upon responding to the 911 call about a seven-year-old who was shot, the officer encountered the juvenile’s mother.

According to the officer, the mother first explained the juvenile was shot outside. After other officers searched, they could not find evidence of an injured juvenile around the building. When the officer asked the mother again, “her demeanor shifted” and she explained that the incident happened inside. The officer left to respond to a different call.

Prosecution then called an MPD detective to testify, who reviewed body-worn camera footage from multiple officers at the scene. In one video, the seven-year-old is seen with paramedics on a stretcher. This footage also reveals officers discovering a handgun in a pack-and-play crib inside the residence.

Another video focuses on a hallway, where Lukes, who had also been shot, was discovered. The detective stated he had no information on possible suspects at the time MPD was at the scene.

During cross examination from Allburn, the detective stated no video surveillance footage was collected from the building in which the incident took place.

After the detective’s testimony, Judge Brandt heard the defense’s motion to suppress autopsy photos of Lukes. Shawn Sukumar, Freeman’s defense attorney, argued that “the risk of prejudice is just far too great.”

Prosecution responded by saying that these photos are “not unfairly prejudicial because at the end of the day, this is what we are dealing with.”

While Judge Brandt has not made her final ruling on the motion, she noted that “homicides in their very nature are not pretty,” and that the prejudice surrounding the photos does not outweigh the probative value.

Prosecution then called the lead detective on the case, a member of MPD’s Special Victims Unit, to testify. The lead detective said this was a “complex investigation” as not only did it take place during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there were also very few witnesses, a significant amount of surveillance video footage to review, and he had to compare the GPS data from the car that the suspects were driving to the video footage.

The lead detective further testified that a fellow police officer identified Steele from a still taken from one of the surveillance videos, without further discussing how the officer knew Steele. A search warrant was subsequently obtained for Steele’s phone as the lead detective believed it contained evidence in connection to the shooting.

Parties are slated to return Jan. 29.