The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Dec. 5 on the 300 block of Morse Street, NE. The victim, identified as 20-year-old Roy Lee Bennett Jr., was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a stabbing on Nov 21. According to documents, a victim was stabbed following an argument with an unknown suspect on the 300 block of V Street, NW. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received treatment at a local hospital. The suspect fled the scene and was captured on surveillance video.
A defendant nearing a trial date accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Dec. 2.
Maleek Thomas, 22, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, felony murder while armed, assault with the intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Melvin Dock Jr., 23, on Oct. 30, 2023, on the 4300 block of Halley Terrace, SE. A second victim was injured in the shooting.
During the incident, the defendant met with one of the victims in a vehicle. Dock approached the car, and shortly after he and Thomas attempted to carjack the vehicle. Thomas began to shoot and hit both victims.
At the hearing, parties had originally planned to discuss their readiness heading into trial, which was slated to begin on Jan. 20. However, defense attorney Howard McEachern informed Judge Dayson that Thomas would be accepting a plea deal.
The terms of the deal required Thomas to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon, in return for all remaining counts to be dismissed. He would also be required to register as a gun offender. Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to limit their sentencing request to 25 years of imprisonment.
Thomas spoke to his lawyer shortly after the terms were given. McEachern explained that Thomas had explicitly asked him to argue for a lesser sentence during sentencing.
Judge Dayson accepted his guilty plea after determining Thomas did so knowingly.
Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 20.
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum revoked a stabbing defendant’s release on Dec 2.
On May 25, 2022 Gabriel Esquina, 23, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly for his involvement in the stabbing of his child’s mother that occurred on Dec. 29, 2021 on the 2800 block of Myrtle Avenue NE.
Esquina was recently re-arrested after allegedly violating a stay-away order imposed by the court.
The defense, Henry Escoto, argued for Esquina’s release, citing his compliance with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), including checking in twice a week. Escoto explained that the violation of the stay-away order occurred after Esquina’s parents invited him back to their home.
He emphasized that his parents had only contacted the police because they felt they needed legal intervention. Escoto added that they are now concerned about Esquina’s mental health and have expressed support for his continued treatment.
Furthermore, Escoto pointed out that Esquina had expressed a willingness to participate in release conditions, including anger management and mental health classes. He proposed the option of electronic monitoring as a means to ensure compliance with any further conditions.
In response, the prosecution argued against Esquina’s release. Simpson noted that Esquina’s charge of felony contempt was serious and emphasized the violation of the stay-away order. The prosecution also highlighted Esquina’s ongoing legal supervision for various other serious offenses and pointed to a history of “spotty compliance” with pre-trial conditions.
The prosecution argued that these factors warranted the continued detention of Esquina. Escoto countered by reiterating that the stay-away violation was not intentional but rather a result of family intervention.
Judge Hildum, however, expressed concern over Esquina’s prior history, mentioning allegations from other cases that he found “concerning.” While agreeing with the prosecution’s position on the seriousness of the case, Judge Hildum noted that Esquina’s mental health concerns and his willingness to participate in treatment were factors to consider.
Ultimately, Judge Hildum revoked Esquina’s release.
The parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 10.
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum granted the release of a stabbing defendant due to “unusual circumstances” after she waived her right to a preliminary hearing on Dec. 2.
Antoinette Smith. 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on the 5600 block of 13th Street, NW on July 15. One individual sustained injuries.
Derrick Page, Smith’s attorney, alerted the court of Smith’s intent to waive her right to a preliminary hearing.
Page also argued for Smith’s release. He argued that Smith had no criminal history before 2025 and highlighted that she had been a lifelong resident of DC. Page also pointed out that Smith’s arrest occurred months after the alleged crime was committed.
The victim reportedly told officers that they would be unable to identify any of the suspects involved in the incident. Page argued that this inconsistency was significant, noting the victim’s uncertainty.
Page suggested that Smith could be placed under 24-hour home confinement, allowing her to maintain family responsibilities for her two children.
The prosecution contended that Smith should remain detained. They argued that the victim had positively identified Smith, and that all of Smith’s pending cases were assaultive in nature.
The judge, while acknowledging the prosecution’s concerns, ultimately ruled in favor of Smith’s release. He noted that Smith had shown compliance with legal procedures and expressed a clear intention to pursue mental health care. Judge Hildum also pointed out the delayed nature of the arrest warrant.
“These are strange circumstances,” the judge remarked, referring to the unusual timeline and the victim’s conflicting statements. He said he would have been more concerned about Smith’s situation had she not been actively pursuing treatment for her mental health, which he considered a positive step.
Smith will now be required to comply with conditions set forth by the Pretrial Services Agency(PSA), which include avoiding contact with the victim, and refraining from going near the crime location. The judge also noted that Smith had not committed any offenses since July.
Page emphasized that they were in the process of filing a motion to designate him as the primary attorney representing Smith in her various legal matters.
The parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 16.
A murder defendant pleaded guilty to a lesser charge before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Nov. 21.
Jermall Johnson, 42, was originally charged with first-degree murder, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Aniekboo Umoh on Dec. 29, 2022 on the 2700 block of 7th Street, NE.
According to court records, Johnson was codefendants with Rafeal Stevens, 40, until his case was severed on Oct. 28, 2024. Stevens has since pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter.
Johnson pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for all remaining and greater charges being dismissed, including the first-degree murder charge. He faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.
The prosecution said that Johnson fired a 9mm gun at Umoh intentionally and without legal justification.
Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 6 for sentencing.
A recently released defendant appeared before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Dec. 1 for an offense uncovered before he could start probation.
Brandon McClanahan, 20, is charged with carrying a dangerous weapon outside of a home or business and unlawful discharge of a firearm for his alleged involvement in an accidental shooting that occurred Nov. 24, 2024 on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE. McClanahan himself was the only victim in the incident.
Just last week, Judge Di Toro adjudicated a separate case, where McClanahan was convicted of carrying a pistol outside of a home or business, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition in relation to an incident that occurred Sept. 6, 2024. He received three years of supervised release for probation with the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA). The YRA allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.
He was in the process of leaving the jail to begin his probation when a warrant from January related to the accidental shooting was flagged and he was held. He has not yet started his probation.
The prosecution argued to continue holding McClanahan in this shooting, due to his conduct and his history of firearm offenses. However, defense attorney Anthony Cade argued that his criminal history has not changed since the case the judge already granted probation under the youth act.
Cade also claimed the accidental shooting had slipped between the cracks of the system. He said the shooting happened during the process of the initial case and would have been resolved if the court had realized it was outstanding. He protested punishing McClanahan for the court’s mistake.
“I want to give you that chance,” Judge Di Toro said to McClanahan, referring to his probation. “I’m really betting on you.”
She decided to release McClanahan on probation, but asked him to adhere to the rules to avoid further issues, especially now that there is another case. She reminded him that a hold could be invoked at any time.
“I’m going to trust you,” she said to him, due to getting to know each other during the last case.
Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 8.
A homicide defendant who killed his brother accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Nov 21.
Lamar Odoms, 24, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his 25-year-old brother, Mark Odoms. The incident occurred on the 1800 block of Tubman Road, SE, on SE on Dec. 5, 2024.
At the hearing, Lamar accepted a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges and an agreement to limit their request to the midpoint of the sentencing guidelines.
The prosecution stated that their evidence would have proven that Lamar and Mark entered an altercation before the defendant shot his brother and fled the scene. Mark was transferred to the George Washington Hospital, but died shortly thereafter from his gunshot wounds.
Lamar’s defense attorney, Gemma Stevens, also requested a youth act study to be done before sentencing, which Judge Edelman granted.
Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Jan. 16, 2026.
Prosecutors and defense counsels rested their arguments on Dec. 3 in a carjacking trial involving seven defendants before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz.
Irshaad Ellis-Bey, 20, Isaiah Flowers, 20, Taj Giles, 20, Bryon Gillum, 20, Jahkai Goff, 21, Jaelen Jordan, 20, and Warren Montgomery, 20, are charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery while armed. These charges stem from the group’s alleged involvement in a series of armed carjackings and the subsequent distribution of the stolen vehicles between February and May of 2023.
One of the carjackings occurred on Feb. 27, 2023 at the intersection of 20th Street and Sunderland Place, NW. Another carjacking took place at the intersection of K and 8th Street, NE, on April 27, 2023.
Additionally, Ellis-Bey, Flowers, Giles, Gillum, Goff, and Jordan are charged with two additional counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed carjacking of a senior citizen, receiving stolen property of $1000 or more, and robbery of a senior citizen while armed. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NW, on May 16, 2023.
Proceedings began by finishing the cross examination of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer on his knowledge of gang-related local slang by the prosecution.
Donna Beasley, attorney for Goff, confirmed the definitions of terms found in the exhibits like ‘joint’, ‘jhi’, and ‘kill’. The witness stated that he learned much of this both from his investigations but also from his time living in the DC area and attending Howard University.
Gretchen Franklin, attorney for Flowers, stated that many people use this sort of language, and nothing should be assumed about the defendants because of it. She also confirmed that the word “Jakes” is a direct reference to white police officers.
Ultimately, Sapirstein confirmed through the witness that slang words can often have multiple meanings and be spelled incorrectly over text.
McDaniel centered his questioning on the officer’s familiarity with the case, which revealed that he had been asked to testify only a few months before and was not involved in any of the investigations. He also confirmed the origin of the word “Jakes” from the movie “Training Day”, which is a reference to a white officer in the movie.
The prosecution concluded their case by presenting close to eighty minutes of footage.
Much of the footage was from a parking garage on the 1300 block of Florida Avenue, NE, where five different individuals can be seen walking in and out of one door and between two different vehicles. Two of the individuals had white shirts with dark pants while the others wore all black outfits. One of the people wearing white and “imitating basketball shots” was identified as someone unrelated to this case. The others were not identified.
Some of the shots were in an apartment building. Many individuals can be seen moving between two rooms. The exact number of people was unclear, and no one was identified.
After presenting all the surveillance footage, the prosecution rested.
Sapirstein brought in a private investigator who assisted in Ellis-Bey’s case to testify. She asked the investigator about a few specific pieces of evidence from the case: a flyer advertising a party and cell tower data of a phone tied to Ellis-Bey.
The cell tower was nearest to both the party, which was located on the 6500 block of Old Branch Avenue in Temple Hills, MD, and a Royal Farms gas station on the 6200 block of Allentown Road in Temple Hills, MD, where another carjacking occurred around midnight on Feb. 26, 2023.
According to the investigator, the address of the party and gas station were less than a half mile apart.
Stephen LoGerfo, attorney for Montgomery, called in Montgomery’s mother to testify.
LoGerfo showed two photographs from Feb. 16, 2023 and April 19, 2023. In the photos, Montgomery’s mother is seen holding her bank card, which she testified to having sent pictures of to Montgomery.
When asked by LoGerfo, “Why did you send [Montgomery] pictures of your bank card?” on both of those dates she answered, “so he could make a purchase.”
After Montgomery’s mother’s testimony, the defense rested their case.
Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 8.
Investigators testified about using GPS coordinates from a cell phone data report to map out the defendants’ whereabouts on Dec. 2 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz.
Byron Gillum, 20, Jaelen Jordan, 20, Isaiah Flowers, 20, Jahkai Goff, 21, Warren Montgomery, 20, Taj Giles, 20, and Irshaad Ellis-Bey, 20, are charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery while armed.
These charges stem from their alleged involvement in a carjacking ring. Specifically, the ring’s alleged involvement in armed carjacking of a Porsche Cayenne that occurred on Feb 27, 2023 at the intersection of 20th Street and Sunderland Place, NW and of a BMW X6 on April 27, 2023 at the intersection of 8th and K Streets, NE.
Jordan, Goff, Gillum, Ellis-Bey, Giles, and Flowers are also charged with two additional counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed carjacking of a senior citizen, receiving stolen property of $1,000 or more, and robbery of a senior citizen while armed. These additional charges stem from their alleged involvement in a carjacking of a Porsche Cayenne GTS that occurred on May 16, 2023 on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NE.
The prosecution resumed testimony from a special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) who testified about GPS coordinates from a cellphone connected to Giles that the prosecution asked him to verify.
On cross-examination, the agent testified that his role was not assembling the cellphone reports that were included in the prosecution’s exhibit, rather, verifying the GPS coordinates that the prosecution provided him matched the cell phone data report.
On direct examination, the agent testified that the GPS coordinates that were on the prosecution’s Google Maps evidence exhibits matched the GPS coordinates from the cell phone data report.
Additionally, the agent testified about a series of text messages said to be between Giles and his girlfriend, where he told his girlfriend where he was getting cars to sell during what appeared to be an argument. Moreover, the agent testified that the GPS coordinates that were in the cell phone data report came from location data when Giles shared his location with his girlfriend.
The prosecution also called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) investigator working in the Violent Crimes Impact Unit. The investigator testified about the definitions of a series of “slang terms” that the prosecution referended. Specifically, to his knowledge as a law enforcement officer a “free car” meant a stolen car, “gta” meant “grand theft auto”, “on da dump” meant the police are extremely close, and “bus the jakes” meant getting away from white police officers. These are all terms that prosecutors claim the defendants used to alert each other about certain events or things that were happening.
The investigator also testified about the so-called “star system” in Grand Theft Auto(GTA), a popular video game where players engage in criminal missions that involve vehicle theft. Specifically, the investigator testified that the star system refers to the increasing number of stars a player receives by engaging in more criminal activity.
The parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 3.
An armed carjacking defendant requested that his case be severed from his co-defendant’s in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Dec. 2.
Lamar Stephens, 38, and Peguy Sikadi are charged with armed carjacking, five counts of armed robbery, five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, eleven counts of firearm possession during a crime of violence, and the unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in an armed carjacking on the 1600 block of V Street, SE, on May 26, 2024.
During the hearing, defense attorney Sharon Weathers, on behalf of Sikadi, told the court that Sikadi wanted his case to be separated from Stephens.
She explained that Sikadi had a trial date for another case in July, which would potentially interfere with the timing of this case. She also claimed that Sikadi’s counsel in the other case was dealing with the prosecution, which she claimed was a reason to consider severance.
Judge Di Toro requested they file a motion in writing for the severance.
Weathers also asked for the prosecution to notify the court of any plea offers extended to the defendants, and the prosecution said that there was one plea offer for Stephens. The offer would have had him plead guilty to carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and second-degree burglary in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges.
The prosecution said that there were no current plea offers for Sikadi, who joined the case late, but that they would be offering one soon.
Parties are set to return on Jan. 5.
DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro delayed a carjacking defendant’s sentencing to March in a hearing on Dec. 2.
On Aug. 29, Derrick West, 18, pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery for his involvement in a series of carjackings and thefts occurring between Sept. 17 and Sept 30.
One armed carjacking took place on Sept. 19 on the 900 block of 11th Street, NE. Another occurred on the 800 block of P Street, NW, on Sept. 20. The last on the 100 block of 35th Street, NW, on Sept. 30.
During the hearing, parties discussed a defense motion to postpone West’s sentencing, which was initially set for December, until after his high school graduation.
Educational attorney Rachel Russo told the court that West was currently enrolled in high school and doing well. She said that she wanted to defer West’s sentencing until after he graduates in February of 2027, and argued that he would be unable to receive his diploma if he went to prison instead.
She told the judge that West had recently qualified for special education services, which he had been denied for years, and that any GED programs through the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) would be unable to support him.
The prosecution opposed the deferred sentencing, arguing that West shouldn’t be released for an extended period. He explained that West had committed a series of crimes that “terrorized the community,” and that West forfeited his release by committing the offenses.
The prosecution was also concerned about how long West would remain in the community, claiming that West’s doing poorly in school could result in “multiple additional semesters” and further prolong the case.
According to the prosecution, delaying the sentencing denied the victims the closure and justice they deserved.
Judge Di Toro acknowledged that there were “competing interests” in the case. She said that, while she wanted West to finish his education, the victims also had a right to see the case concluded, and noted that the community was “significantly damaged” by West’s actions.
Di Toro said that she was not inclined to delay the sentencing until February 2027, and after consulting with Russo on West’s school schedule, set a new sentencing date at the end of West’s current semester in March.
Parties are set to reconvene on March 13 for the sentencing.
DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel deemed a non-fatal stabbing defendant incompetent on Dec. 3, following a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).
Michael Burke, 45, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing during a street fight on the 1700 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE, on April 16, 2024.
The judge reviewed a competency report prepared by DBH. The report had not been fully completed because a lockdown at the Department of Corrections (DOC), along with additional scheduling issues, prevented a doctor from finishing her observation of Burke.
Despite the incomplete evaluation, the doctor reported significant concerns. She noted that Burke demonstrated illogical conclusions, was not receptive to suggestions, and showed signs consistent with psychosis. The report described ongoing psychological difficulties, including delusions, disorganized and pressured thoughts, impaired self-control, and an inability to meaningfully work on or understand his case.
The prosecution ultimately supported moving Burke to the hospital for competency restoration efforts.
The judge determined Burke as legally incompetent based on the Dec. 2 report. In order to stand trial, a defendant must be able to understand the charges and be able to help his attorney defend the case.
During the hearing, Burke attempted to raise questions about an earlier competency report dated Aug. 21, stating, “I have a right to challenge the competence report. It’s a due process issue in my mind.”
The judge clarified that the focus of the day’s hearing was the December report, though she later provided Burke with the August report, noting that it also found him incompetent.
The judge instructed Burke not to file further motions until he is deemed competent, as they would otherwise be rejected without prejducice.
The court ruled that Burke will be transferred to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for inpatient competency restoration.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 7.
DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel released a non-fatal shooting defendant on Dec. 3.
Demeco Savoy, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection with his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured his son at the 1500 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE on Sept. 4.
It was determined that Savoy was eligible for release under specific conditions recommended by the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). The court expressed satisfaction with these conditions and approved his release.
Savoy will reside with his cousin in Maryland. In addition, he will be placed on GPS monitoring and is required to follow in-home confinement, with exceptions only for appointments with his attorney, job interviews, work obligations, or scheduled court appearances. If he gets a job or receives a new work schedule, he must notify PSA so that his permitted hours can be updated accordingly.
Although Savoy had been employed at a warehouse prior to his detention, it is unclear whether that remains available due to the 90 days since his detention.
As part of the release conditions, Savoy is prohibited from contacting his son in any manner. This includes no communication through text messages, social media, email, indirect contact through others, or any other means.
He was required to attend GPS orientation and the court emphasized failure to appear could result in a bench warrant. Additional conditions include no possession of firearms, compliance with drug testing, and in-person reporting to Pre-Trial Services as directed.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 17.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard opening statements and testimony from eight witnesses in a fatal shooting trial on Dec. 2.
George Sutton, 45, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of John Coleman, 34, on May 1, 2023, on the 2000 block of M Street, NE.
“Do you have a brother by the name of John Coleman?” a prosecutor asked of Coleman’s sister.
“You mean had?” she asked. She briefly testified by identifying the victim from a his photo shown in court.
“The defendant hunted and gunned down Mr. Coleman,” the prosecution said in their opening statement.
The prosecution described the events of May 1, 2023, when Coleman was traveling on a red Capital Bikeshare on the 1100 block of 21st Street, NE, where he came in contact with a gold Infiniti Sedan. The prosecution identified the driver of the vehicle as Sutton, who was blocked by Coleman’s bike.
An altercation occurred between Sutton and Coleman, which resulted in Coleman throwing an object at Sutton’s vehicle. “The defendant then drove to his home on the 4600 block of Quarles Street, NE, likely to get a gun,” the prosecution claimed.
Afterwards, he got back in his car and traveled back in the direction of where the altercation occurred, but came face to face with Coleman on the 2000 block of M Street, NE. The prosecution alleged that Sutton fired 10 gunshots at Coleman, and argued Sutton did so “maliciously and carelessly.”
A forensic pathologist, who later testified, confirmed that Coleman sustained three gunshot wounds to the neck, left leg, and right thigh.
A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) patrol officer, who responded to the scene of the incident, said he did not perform CPR on Coleman. “I instantly knew he was dead. He wasn’t moving or saying anything,” the officer testified.
Additionally, the prosecution stated, “no one is going to say that they saw Sutton pull the trigger.”
Sutton’s defense attorney Steven Kiersh homed on this statement, adding that although Sutton’s car was seen driving by multiple surveillance cameras, no one identified Sutton as the driver.
“You will also not hear anything about DNA in this case,” Kiersh argued.
An eyewitness who was present when the incident occurred was called in to testify by the prosecution.
The woman testified that she was walking her friend’s dog near the intersection of 21st and M Street. Once she was on M Street, the woman observed a “goldish” sedan in the middle of the 2000 block.
During her interview with MPD detectives on the day of the shooting, the woman described the car as a light-colored Nissan Altima. She testified that the car looked identical to a relative’s car, which is why she mistook it for a Nissan.
The woman claimed that she did not see the driver of the sedan, as the vehicle had tinted windows.
Additionally, she observed a man on a red bike approaching the vehicle. The woman assumed the man on the bike and the driver knew each other because the man on the bike was standing about three feet away from the vehicle.
Afterwards, the woman said she heard two gunshots and started running back towards 21st Street. While running, she looked behind her and saw the man on the bike fall to the ground. However, she testified that she did not see where the shots came from.
She also testified that no one else was in the vicinity when the shooting occurred.
Once the witness reached the intersection of 21st and M Street, she heard a ‘handful’ of additional gunshots. When asked by the prosecution how many gunshots she heard in total, the witness answered five.
Two other witnesses testified to hearing over ten gunshots at the time of the incident, but did not see anything occur.
When the forensic pathologist testified about the autopsy report, she informed the jury that two remote fragments were removed from Coleman’s right chest and left thigh. ‘Remote’ in this context refers to the location of a bullet or its fragments at a distance from the main wound. She testified it could’ve been sustained during a different incident.
Upon cross-examination, Kiersh asked the pathologist, “So, does this mean that two of the fragments were in the decedent’s body prior to the shooting on May 1, 2023?” The witness answered “yes, they were separate gunshot wounds.”
A Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) employee testified to taking pictures of the defendant’s car. During cross examination, Kiersh asked if the car had tinted windows, which the DFS employee confirmed it did not.
Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 3.
