‘You Want to Die Over a Charger? Victim Testifies in Shooting Confrontation

A victim testified about a confrontation over an electric vehicle charging port that escalated into a shooting before DC Superior Court Justice Danya Dayson on Oct. 8.

Ato Ocran, 46, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, five counts possession of an unregistered firearm, destruction of property of $1000 or more, and carrying a pistol without a license outside the home. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 2200 block of 13^th Street, NE, on June 3.

Prosecutors brought the victim to the stand to testify about events leading up to the shooting. The victim said that he had interacted with a man driving a blue Tesla, who prosecutors allege is Ocran, on three occasions. The interactions centered on a public electric vehicle charging station in the parking lot of a Giant in the Rhode Island Place shopping mall. Both men would often leave their electric cars at the port to charge.

The victim described the first two interactions as non-confrontational, saying at one point that the suspect had a “kill him with kindness type attitude.” The victim explained the man with the Tesla may have been abusing the two-hour limit on the charging station, but had no serious problem with him until June 3, when the suspect allegedly switched the charger from the victim’s Nissan Leaf to his Tesla.

The victim testified that he and his partner had just returned home after dropping off the Nissan Leaf to charge when she got a notification on her phone that the car was no longer charging.

She was “just getting comfortable, probably ready to take a nap,” when she got the notification, the victim said. The victim stated that he drove to the charging station in his partner’s Jeep Liberty to plug it back in when he and the suspect quickly got into a fight.

“We threw punches simultaneously,” the victim said. He also testified to hearing the suspect say, “over a charger, you want to die over a charger?”

The victim testified that these statements led him to believe that the suspect had a gun.

Prosecutors played footage of the two men throwing punches and the victim disappearing out of frame before returning with a golf club. The suspect could be seen opening his trunk. The victim testified that he continued to approach the suspect because he believed he was trying to retrieve a gun from the Tesla.

The witness explained he signed an agreement with prosecutors that protected him from self-incrimination during his testimony. He further clarified that only his testimony was protected in the immunity agreement and that he could still be tried for crimes relating to the incident.

When prosecutors shifted the conversation to the victim’s criminal history, defense attorneys Kevan Gardner and Elizabeth Paige White appeared surprised.

Prosecutors asked the victim point blank if he was the same person who failed to register as a sex offender in 2025, which he initially denied. He also denied being charged with several older crimes. The victim later clarified that he did not consider himself “the same person” who committed those crimes but admitted that an older version of himself had gotten those charges. He stated he was a changed man.

After the jury was dismissed, White asked Judge Dayson to require prosecutors to clarify the victim’s criminal history at the next hearing. Judge Dayson said she would re-read the record and clarify the matter to the jury if the record seemed unclear.

Gardner and White also told Judge Dayson that prosecutors had not shared information about the victim’s mental health history as legally obligated. White argued that she had made repeated requests for witnesses’ mental health records to the prosecution, and that withholding the information violated the prosecution’s legal obligations to the defense.

“The [prosecution] did not disclose that this person was found incompetent due to their hallucinations,” White said.

Prosecutors argued that they had previously shared mental health records with White and were not intentionally withholding anything from the defense team.

Judge Dayson said that she would examine the matter more closely before deciding whether to sanction prosecutors.

A doctor who treated the victim stated the victim sustained a near lethal shot to the right shoulder, inches from the heart.

Trial is set to resume Oct. 9.

Refused Competency Exam Threatens to Delay Homicide, Shooting Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Dayna Dayson alerted parties on Oct. 3 that a defendant accused of murder and also in a non-fatal shooting refused to participate in a competency evaluation by a psychiatrist to determine whether he is mentally fit to stand trial. The move threatens to push back the case.

Jordan Therman, 26, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, robbery, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Denzel Greenwood on the 1900 block of 13th Street, NW, on Aug. 4, 2023.

Therman is also charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and endangerment with a firearm, for his alleged involvement in the non-fatal shooting of two victims in the parking lot of a convenience store on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW, on Feb. 7, 2024.

In both of these cases, defense attorney Thomas Key sought to determine Therman’s mental competency. To stand trial a defendant must understand his charges and be able to help his attorney.

According to court documents in the non-fatal shooting case, the defendant was “acting erratic on scene and appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance.”

During a hearing on Oct. 3, Judge Dayson informed the court that Therman refused evaluation by a psychiatrist that she ordered and was unresponsive in court.

“The party that brings the competency motion has the burden to prove it and that won’t work if he won’t engage,” Judge Dayson said. “He is presumed to be competent, and I can’t rule he is not competent if he isn’t evaluated.”

Key argued that the January trial date be vacated and another mental observation hearing was critical for him to properly represent his client, who was allegedly under the influence of phencyclidine (PCP)–a powerful hallucinogen.

“I need to talk to experts about potential schizophrenia to see if this is not a knowingly committed crime. I need an expert to see how the PCP is affecting him,” Key said. “I can’t go over a plea offer if he is not going to participate or is talking about McDonald’s.”

The prosecution replied by saying that his refusal to take a mental competency exam reflects his previous history.

“His behavior is more in line with past behavior, which is not incompetency but rather strategic behavior,” the prosecution said. “This is behavior to avoid a trial date. He is feigning mental illness.”

Judge Dayson was hesitant to schedule another mental observation hearing and postpone trial to a later date if Therman did not plan to participate.

“I don’t know how this will go if Mr. Therman will not speak to anyone,” Judge Dayson said. “He failed to participate; he’s been admonished to do so.”

Judge Dayson scheduled an additional mental observation hearing and pushed back Therman’s trial dates at the request of the defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 10.

Report Finds Stabbing Defendant Competent, Judge Waits For Confirmation

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz decided to wait for another evaluation to make a final determination of mental competence for a stabbing defendant on Oct. 3.

Lester Pendarvis, 26, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on the 1400 block of Montana Avenue, NE, on Aug. 12. Two individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court records, Pendarvis was sent to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for a full competency evaluation. A Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) report found him competent and recommended he be sent back to the DC Jail pending trial.

Defense attorney Madelyn Harvey disagreed with the report, saying that she still has concerns about Pendarvis’ mental state. She said he was not doing well at the DC Jail.

“His state was appalling,” Harvey told Judge Kravitz, as she appeared for the hearing remotely.

She requested that Pendarvis stay in Saint Elizabeths so a defense expert can independently evaluate him. Judge Kravitz granted Harvey’s request to wait until that evaluation to decide whether Pendarvis is competent and fit to be placed back in the DC Jail.

To stand trial, a defendant must be mentally competent enough to understand his charges and help his lawyer defend the case.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 24.

Homicide Trial Delayed for Pending Motions

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park postponed a scheduled jury trial after tabling several motions on Oct. 3.

Jerome Dukes, 34, and Justin Borum, 36, are charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jayvon Jones on Feb. 21, 2023. The incident occurred on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE.

Defense attorneys Brandi Harden and Stephen LoGerfo began the hearing by requesting discovery of evidence tied to a witness, whom both parties identified as a central in determining probable cause for the prosecution.

Harden said the defense had not yet received records connected to a summons issued for the witness on Sept. 25, including documents concerning the witness’ criminal history which could lead to filing a false statement charge.

The prosecution responded that they had not been aware of the defense’s specific request but confirmed that the witness’ criminal history had been investigated. They said some records from Baltimore authorities have been difficult to obtain because of lost data following an office relocation in 2011 and issues with an electronic database.

Judge Park agreed that the defense is entitled to investigate the witness’ background, describing the witness as “really important” to the prosecution’s case and instructing the prosecution to conduct further inquiry.

“We need to get to the bottom of this,” the judge said.

At Harden’s request, Judge Park granted a continuance to allow time for the prosecution to locate the missing materials and for the defense to prepare its cross-examination of the witness. The judge also canceled the empaneling the jury set to convene Monday.

The hearing then shifted to other pending motions, including to suppress statements involving another prosecution witness. The court discussed scheduling the witness’ testimony for later in the week and directed the prosecution to confirm his availability.

The judge also tabled several motions, including issues related to the key witness’ credibility, a cell phone search warrant, and a video in which the witness allegedly discussed “taking guns.”

The court said it would revisit those matters after reviewing the relevant footage and documents.

The defense additionally sought body-worn camera footage and social media evidence referenced by the prosecution, but the judge declined to order turning the information over to the defense after learning the prosecution did not have access to those materials.

Before adjourning, the court granted the prosecution’s motion to quash a subpoena the defense had issued to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for evidence, finding that prosecutors were making good-faith efforts to fulfill discovery obligations.

The parties are expected to reconvene Oct. 6.

Judge Denies Release Revocation Request for Murder Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) request for the revocation of release for a murder defendant on Oct. 3.

Jahi Settles, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, felony murder while armed, attempted robbery and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Langston Sharps, 33, on July 3, 2023 on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.

According to court records, Settles was released on GPS monitoring on Aug. 30, 2024.

PSA requested Settles be sent back to jail pending trial after he violated his release conditions by making an unauthorized stop at a grocery store after an authorized stop at a bank. Defense attorney Jason Tulley said Settles had to make a last-minute stop and did not have a phone to notify his PSA officer.

“I was just trying to feed my daughter,” Settles told Judge Kravitz.

The prosecution opposed PSA’s request for revocation of release. Kravitz denied the request, saying it would be a “disproportionate response” to his violation.

Parties also pushed the trial to September 2027 because of scheduling conflicts. The trial was originally scheduled for September 2026.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 27.

Stabbing Defendant Released Under House Arrest

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean released a stabbing defendant under house arrest in a hearing on Oct. 3.

Hennok Woldu, 21, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after allegedly stabbing an individual at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on May 3.

During the hearing, defense attorney Sara Kopecki asked the court to release Woldu on house arrest, citing his strong familial support and lack of criminal history as evidence in favor of his release.

The prosecution argued that Woldu was being held on serious charges in connection with an unrelated matter at the time of the incident, and should remain in custody.

In response to prosecution objections, Kopecki called the prosecution’s arguments against release “vulnerable” and stated that Woldu allegedly had personal safety concerns about the victim that were ignored by jail staff.

Judge McLean released Woldu on house arrest and GPS monitoring. She also told him to stay away from the victim and not have any weapons while released.

Parties are slated to return on Dec. 12.

Stabbing Defendant Declared Mentally Competent for Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean deemed a stabbing defendant competent to stand in a hearing on Oct. 3, following a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Anthony Nowlin, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that wounded a juvenile in the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station, located on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW, on Aug. 26.

During the hearing, Judge McLean reviewed a DBH report indicating that the defendant is competent, but may qualify for substance abuse treatment.

Defense attorney Derrick Page requested a substance abuse evaluation and asked if it was possible to order it through the jail. Judge McLean responded by saying she would email the jail to see if an assessment is possible.

In order to stand trial, a defendant must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and be able to help his attorney.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 3.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Thwarting Boyfriend’s Murder Arrest

A defendant, accused of helping her boyfriend avoid arrest for his involvement in a homicide, pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Oct. 2.

Keevasayah Polite, 23, was originally charged with four counts of accessory after the fact while armed and obstructing justice while armed for her involvement in assisting her boyfriend avoid arrest for a homicide in 2021.

Polite’s boyfriend, Nyjell Outler, 22, was convicted by a jury on March 18 of voluntary manslaughter while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Demetris Johnson at a gender reveal party on March 20, 2021 on the unit block of Madison Street, NE.

Prosecutors alerted Judge Park they had reached an agreement with Polite. The deal requires Polite to complete 72 hours of community service within six months, and in exchange the prosecution will dismiss the case.

The prosecution stated that if this case had gone to trial they would’ve proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on or about March 26, 2021 Polite knowingly made a false report to MPD about her boyfriend’s whereabouts, who was on GPS monitoring. Moreover, Polite didn’t state to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that earlier that day he came to her residence and cut off his ankle monitor.

The parties are slated to reconvene on April 7.

Shooting Defendant Rejects 7 Year Plea Offer

A defendant in a daytime shooting rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Dayna Dayson on Oct. 3.

Andrew Black, 52, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, possession of an unregistered gun, carrying a pistol without a license, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, on Sept. 9, 2023. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, the victim was shot in the abdomen and remained on life support for 48 hours. After regaining consciousness, he reported to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers that he recognized Black as the suspected shooter.

During an Oct. 3 hearing, the prosecution offered Black an agreement to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm (more than one year prior conviction) in exchange for the prosecution’s dismissing all other charges, and a seven year sentence.

Black knowingly rejected this offer and the court decided it will move forward towards a trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 20.

Woman Convicted in Mass Shooting Denied Acquittal on One Charge

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a motion for acquittal of one charge and decided to wait to rule on another for a woman convicted in a mass shooting on Oct. 3.

Toyia Johnson, 53, was convicted of accessory after the fact and tampering with physical evidence for her involvement in assisting other defendants with discarding evidence and avoiding arrest following a mass shooting that occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021. The shooting killed 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner, and three others were injured.

Mussay Rezene, 32, was convicted on the same charges as Johnson.

Erwin Dubose, 31, Kamar Queen, 28, Damonta Thompson, 28, and William Johnson-Lee, 23, were convicted of conspiracy, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, among other charges, for their involvement in the mass shooting.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors argued that Johnson provided the shooters the car that was used in the shooting, and reported it stolen when Dubose told her to.

According to court documents, Johnson filed a motion for judgment of acquittal in June, before her conviction. Johnson’s defense attorney, David Akulian, argued that the prosecution did not have sufficient evidence to support that she acted as an accessory to the assault with intent to kill charge against Dubose. He also argued that there is not enough evidence that she actually assisted with the crime and tried to hinder Dubose’s arrest, trial or punishment for that charge.

The prosecution argued that she reported the car stolen after a phone call from Dubose, during which he told Johnson that it was used during the murders. However, they do not have a recording of the call.

Body-worn camera footage of the conversation between a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer and Johnson when she reported the car stolen showed the officer telling Johnson that the suspected black Honda was used in a “triple murder.” This wording is at the center of Johnson’s motion for acquittal.

Akulian argued that the officer saying it was a triple murder does not indicate who committed it, if weapons were used and if anyone else was injured but not killed during the incident. According to Akulian, Johnson’s conviction is connected to assault with intent to kill and not murder, and there is not enough evidence from the footage to prove she knew that the incident was also a non-fatal shooting.

The prosecution opposed this argument, saying that “it is a reasonable inference” that she knew the shooting killed some and injured others. They said that they have evidence that Johnson had consciousness of guilt, as she stopped messaging Dubose on Instagram after the incident.

Judge Kravitz said this evidence makes it a closer question, but he sees both sides.

“I think the defense has a pretty strong argument,” he said.

Akulian said that Johnson would have had to have knowledge of each element of assault with intent to kill, saying the officer did not tell her the car was used in the Longfellow shooting. Kravitz questioned this argument.

However, Kravitz said there is sufficient evidence to prove Johnson knew the car was used in a serious crime and lied to the officer when she reported it stolen. He said this disproves the argument that there is not enough evidence that she actually assisted and intended to hinder the investigation, since she tried to interfere.

Akulian also argued that there is not enough evidence that Johnson knew there was an official proceeding underway and that she tampered with the evidence to conceal it. Kravitz denied that aspect of the motion, saying she lied to the officer.

Kravitz denied the motion for acquittal in regards to the tampering charge, but told the parties to file briefs of their arguments in mid-October so he can review the arguments and make a final decision for the accessory charge, as it could affect Johnson’s sentencing. The sentencing for Johnson and the other co-defendants is scheduled for Oct. 30.

Akulian said that if there is not enough evidence, she could be sentenced to probation only and will appeal her case if Judge Kravitz does not grant her motion.

“She will be exercising her constitutional rights,” Akulian told D.C. Witness.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 24.

Murder Defendant Allowed to Work

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz allowed a murder defendant to work on Oct. 3.

Oliver Gomes, 55, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Thomas Gray, 61, who died after being struck with a wooden plank on Oct. 14, 2022 at the intersection of 11th and L Streets, NW.

According to court records, Gomes has been on release since February. On July 25, his release conditions were modified to allow him to seek employment and visit his mother.

Gomes’ defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, asked Judge Kravitz to further modify his release conditions because he now has a job he wants to attend. Kopecki said he needs the income, as he has been falling behind on rent while in home confinement.

The prosecution opposed this, arguing that Gomes will have to take public transportation to get to and from work, and he has prior incidents involving buses.

Kravitz allowed Gomes to work, but reminded him that he can only travel between home and work and his location will always be monitored.

Kopecki also asked Judge Kravitz to allow Gomes to attend an apprenticeship with the Department of Employment Services (DES), which would have him leave his home for an additional day each week. Judge Kravitz denied this request for now.

“There should be some incremental approach here,” he said.

Gomes also wanted to speak with Judge Kravitz about getting a new attorney. Kravitz told Gomes to tell him the issues he has with his attorneys’ trial prep during the next hearing.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 10.

Judge Denies Release for Paralyzed Murder Defendant Over Jail Care

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied release for a paralyzed murder defendant suffering from alleged medical negligence by the Department of Corrections (DOC) on Oct. 3.

Desmond Barr, 23, is charged with second-degree 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 death of Ambria Farmer, 20. The incident occurred on July 13, 2024 on the 3600 block of F Street, SE.

Barr’s defense attorneys, Hannah Claudio and Dominique Winters, argued for Barr’s release. They proposed relocating him to home confinement at his older sister’s residence, which is near a healthcare facility they argued could better address his medical needs. They also requested GPS monitoring.

The defense argued that the DOC was not providing adequate healthcare. They cited a lack of sanitary physical therapy, Barr’s worsening open wounds, urinary tract infections, blood clots, and what they described as a serious laceration sustained from a defective shower rod. They also claimed Barr’s medication had been changed, leading to seizures.

Two representatives from the rehabilitation sector of the proposed healthcare facility sat with the defense and argued in favor of Barr’s release. The representatives testified that the facility near Barr’s sister’s home has the equipment and trained staff to handle his medical issues. The women emphasized theif willingness to support him.

A witness for the Department of Corrections (DOC), testified that Barr was receiving consistent care. He claimed the DOC had provided four wheelchairs, two of which Barr declined, and confirmed that the jail was conforming to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He also reported that a special wheelchair assigned to Barr was inoperable, as was a handicap shower in the jail, though the shower has since been repaired.

The DOC witness also cited the jail’s healthcare director, who reported that Barr has received 103 wound treatments, more than 80 doctor appointments, mental health services, and a urology consultation. He said one of Barr’s wounds was nearly healed. He did not provide details on physical therapy.

Judge Park denied the motion for release, noting the case is an “extremely violent murder”. He also cited Barr’s pending charges in another case, which include assault and strangulation. The judge stated that detention was warranted and that the issues raised centered on the conditions of imprisonment rather than release. He, consequently, suggested Barr be transferred to a different facility.

Park said the expressed claims showcase a dispute of facts between the defense and DOC. He requested documentation and testimony from a DOC medical expert to clarify the extent of Barr’s treatment. He also ordered the DOC representative to have the jail provide information about why previous orders by DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe were not followed.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 24.

Homicide Defendant’s Release Motion Denied

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman denied an individual’s pro-se release motion filed on his on behalf on Oct. 3.

Emmanuel Lewis, 36, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or business, and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Kwame Keith, 25, on the 1800 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE, on Oct. 30, 2023.

During the hearing, Judge Edelman stated that he had received a motion filed by Lewis that requested a reconsideration of his bond status after an incarceration period of 16 months.

Russell Hairston, Lewis’s defense attorney, said that he had not seen the motion yet, and neither had the prosecution.

Judge Edelman noted that Lewis has had a violent history, and was on probation for an assault charge during his arrest for his alleged involvement in Keith’s murder.

With that Judge Edelman stated that DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond first found probable cause on May 8, 2024, as did a grand jury on June 11, 2024, and did not believe that anything had changed since.

Judge Edelman therefore denied Lewis’s motion for reconsideration of his detention. During the hearing, Lewis also waived his rights to independent testing of evidence.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 15, 2026.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Agreement During Trial

A shooting defendant accepted a plea agreement before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Oct. 7, days before the scheduled end of his trial.

Nigel Pulliam, 32, was initially charged with two counts of assault with the intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with the intent to commit robbery while armed, four counts of firearm possession during a crime of violence, two counts of the unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of over a year, two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon outside of a home or business, two counts of unregistered firearm possession, and two counts of unlawful ammunition possession for his involvement in a Sept. 23, 2022 robbery on the 1400 block of Maryland Avenue, NE, and a non-fatal shooting that wounded one individual on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE, on Aug. 29, 2022.

After a week-and-a-half of trial, Pulliam pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In exchange, the prosecution will dismiss all other charges. The defendant also agreed to register as a gun offender.

Both parties agreed to a sentencing range of six-to-ten years in prison.

Parties are set to return for sentencing on Feb. 6.

Victim Who Didn’t Want to ‘Stir Up Dirt’ Testifies About Shooting Lead-in

The victim in a shooting recounted the harrowing night he was shot before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Sept. 30.

Nigel Pulliam, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Aug. 29, 2022 on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE.

Trial resumed later than scheduled due to new security concerns, as the victim was reported to have been threatened prior to his testimony. In response, the judge approved additional court security and ordered that all cell phones be removed from the courtroom. The defense objected, arguing the restriction was unfair, but the judge prioritized safety.

The victim explained the events of the night he was shot. He claimed that in the lead-up to the incident, he had been threatened by Pulliam over the phone, as Pulliam believed that the victim was pursuing his girlfriend. Police were called to the scene after Pulliam allegedly banged and kicked on the door. While police were on the scene, Pulliam allegedly called the victim and the two exchanged threats.

The following day, the victim testified, he agreed to a meeting set up by a mutual friend to discuss the issue. He testified that after waiting for Pulliam to arrive for several hours, the defendant had become angered as he looked through text messages between the victim and the girlfriend. Then the defendant and an unidentified man, who had been wearing a mask, pulled guns on him and escorted him out of the apartment.

In the hallway, the victim testified, the masked man ordered him to empty his pockets, then hit him on the head with a gun when he did not comply fast enough. The victim ran back to his car with a friend and made it onto the highway, at which point two cars pulled up and someone inside shot at his car before quickly driving away. The victim had been hit in the forearm and went to the hospital to receive treatment. Even so, the bullet was not removed until a month-and-a-half later.

One witness, an elderly woman currently living in a rehabilitation facility, testified about her close relationship with the defendant and the victim. She described the incident as a heated argument in her apartment over text messages between the victim and Pulliam’s girlfriend. Pulliam allegedly pulled a gun and escorted the victim out. She later heard gunshots but did not witness the shooting.

The defense challenged her credibility, focusing on her past drug use, mental health issues, and memory gaps. Despite repeated objections and a combative tone from the defense attorney, the witness remained emotional but firm in her factual account. After her testimony, a dispute arose between parties about an undisclosed 911 call and police report, which the judge ordered to be located for review.

The court also addressed several evidentiary issues. Jail phone calls involving drug references and threats were ruled admissible, as were the drugs found in a vehicle tied to the incident, and testimony from an officer who recovered the firearm.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 1.

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