Compliant Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing in Roommate Stabbing Case

A stabbing defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence against him before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum on March 18.

Raheem Johnson, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing at the 1800 block of Newton Street, NW on Feb. 12. The victim sustained a laceration to her forearm.

According to court documents, the incident reportedly began as a roommate disagreement when Johnson accused the victim of stealing his steak. Johnson claimed the victim gestured at him with a hot pan and knife. The victim claimed Johnson pushed her before he grabbed a steak knife, waved it at the victim, followed her upstairs, and slashed at her arm. A detective observed a minor injury on Johnson’s hand.

At the hearing Johnson’s attorney, Elliot Queen, informed Judge Hildum that his client waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Judge Hildum accepted the waiver as knowing and voluntary.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) updated the court on Johnson’s release compliance. They stated, he is in perfect compliance.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 20.

Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Offer, Opts for Trial

A shooting defendant rejected a plea offer extended by the prosecution in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 17.

Mario Kirksey, 36, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one victim on the 1300 block of Okie Street, NE on Feb. 28, 2024.

The prosecution extended an offer that would have required Kirksey to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss the remaining charges and request concurrent sentences for both charges in the bottom third of the guidelines range or the mandatory minimum.

Kirksey’s new defense attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, rejected the plea offer and stated his client would like to go to trial.

O’Sullivan was appointed as Kirksey’s new defense attorney on March 6, after the defendant requested new counsel to replace Terrence Austin.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 1.

Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Herrmann on March 18.

Vernell Holliday, 34, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place at the 1400 block of Clifton Street, NW on March 7.

According to court documents, the victim stated his nephew was in his bedroom when the victim heard what sounded like a gunshot, and something dropped in the living room. When looking at it further, the victim reportedly saw a hole in the wall and drywall debris on the ground. Investigators traced the gunshot to a nearby apartment where they allegedly found Holliday in possession of a firearm and drugs. No injuries were reported.

At the hearing, Holliday’s attorney, Madhuri Swarna, alerted parties that her client requested to waive his preliminary hearing in order to keep the prosecution’s plea offer open. No details of the deal were discussed in court.

Swarna asked for her client’s release and explained that Holliday has two daughters, is receiving mental health treatment, and is enrolled in a virtual college for music science.

The prosecution requested that Holliday remain held and stated that the facts of the case involve a 14-year-old juvenile, the victim’s nephew, who was present in the apartment building he shot into.

In addition to this, Holliday was previously banned by a different judge in an unrelated case from possessing firearms. The prosecution noted Holliday has four prior assault convictions, an attempted robbery conviction, and was on parole at the time of the offense.

As a result, Judge Herrmann agreed with the prosecution that the facts of the case are enough to maintain Holliday’s hold.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 7.

Judge Releases Teen Homicide Defendant After Finding Probable Cause

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park found probable cause in a fatal shooting case involving a 17-year-old victim, but released the defendant to home confinement on March 16.

Jaylnn Jamison, 18, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Tristan Johnson. The incident took place near the Stadium Armory Metro Station on the 1900 block of C Street, SE, on Nov. 8, 2025.

During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who investigated the shooting and wrote Jamison’s arrest warrant. Prosecutors played a video from about 12:20 p. m. the day of the shooting, in which two individuals in a Metro car were beaten and robbed of a coat by four other individuals.

The detective claimed that he spoke to someone who identified herself and her friend, Jamison, as the two individuals who were beaten in the video and said they took Jamison’s coat. The identity of Jamison and her friend in the video was allegedly confirmed by the friend’s mother, who was also interviewed by the MPD detective.

Defense attorney Hannah Claudio played the same clip, and the detective identified Johnson as one of the people who robbed Jamison.

Claudio then played footage from the Stadium Armory Metro Station, which showed the four individuals who robbed Jamison and her friend exit the Metro car and run out of the station. The video also showed Jamison and her friend exit the Metro car and approach two National Guard members in the station. According to the detective, Jamison and her friend reported the robbery to the National Guard.

The detective said both members of the National Guard were interviewed during the investigation over the phone, days after the incident. One guard member stated that he didn’t see any weapons on Johnson or anyone from his group, but said he didn’t have a good enough look to make a substantial claim.

The other National Guard soldier described Jamison and her friend as a boy with a ski mask and a girl wearing a pink coat, noted Claudio, and questioned the detective about the accuracy of this description. The detective said the video evidence from inside the Metro station did not match up with that description.

According to the detective, after the robbery, Johnson and his cousin, two of the four individuals who robbed Jamison, exited the station and visited Johnson’s girlfriend’s house nearby.

Johnson’s cousin claimed that he and Johnson were never inside the Metro the day of the shooting, a statement Claudio confirmed with the detective was inconsistent with video evidence.

During the shooting, Johnson’s girlfriend and her sister were at a house nearby, and both claimed to hear shots fired. The girlfriend said she saw Jamison’s friend running down the street with someone she recognized, a name the detective said is not associated with Jamison.

Johnson’s girlfriend’s sister claimed that Jamison and her friend were known to commit robberies together. However, Claudio stated that Jamison had never been stopped or arrested for robbery.

According to the warrant, another witness, who was across the street during the shooting, claimed to hear shots and run over to a window where the witness said they saw someone approach a person on the ground and attempt to steal his jacket. The witness then exited the apartment, walked towards the victim, and called 911. This witness described the shooter as a little boy who fled the scene with his sister.

Claudio also questioned the detective about the testimony of Jamison’s friend. According to the detective, the friend originally had said that there were two friends with her at the time of the shooting, Jamison and another female. When the friend was interviewed a second time, she changed her story, claiming that the other female was not present.

The friend also stated that she and Jamison returned to the Metro station in an attempt to find the coat that had been stolen, not to hurt anyone.

According to court documents, when Jamison and her friend returned to the Stadium Armory Metro Station later in the day, they reportedly encountered the group of individuals who had robbed them on the train hours earlier.

The detective said the friend told him they never saw Jamison with a gun or had previously seen her holding a firearm.

Claudio discussed the detective’s interview with an eyewitness who said that he saw a 10-year-old boy and a girl chasing another individual outside the Stadium Armory Metro Station. The individual being chased, identified by the detective as Johnson, pushed the boy down the stairs. According to the eyewitness, the boy then pulled a gun on the victim before the victim jumped on the boy in an attempt to grab the gun. According to the eyewitness, a shot was fired at the victim, and the boy fled the scene. The prosecution and detective claim the boy described by the eyewitness is Jamison.

The detective claimed that although no firearm was recovered from the scene, a bullet casing was found outside the station.

Claudio claimed that the prosecution didn’t meet the standard for probable cause because they failed to prove Jamison’s identity at the scene of the crime, noting the two National Guard members conflicted with one another. Claudio added that Johnson’s girlfriend and her sister had bias towards Jamison and her friend because they used slurs to describe them.

Additionally, Claudio stated that the eyewitness’ testimony could have been easily inaccurate, as he was interviewed by MPD weeks after the incident and said it was a boy who fired the shots.

Claudio also argued that mitigating circumstances created grounds for self-defense, as Jamison was robbed and beaten earlier in the day, and knew Johnson was capable of violent behavior. Furthermore, Johnson was larger than Jamison, and shots were only fired once Johnson was physically on top of Jamison.

Judge Park found probable cause, stating that the eyewitness’ testimony doesn’t support the self-defense argument.

Prosecutors argued in favor of continued detention, claiming that Jamison was angry about the robbery and murdered Johnson in an effort to seek revenge.

Johnson’s mother made a statement, requesting Judge Park, “Hold [Jamison] accountable for her actions,” saying she “murdered [her] son.”

Claudio asked for Jamison’s release, saying Jamison has “amazing character,” a great work history, the support of her family, community, and members of her church. Claudio emphasized Jamison’s importance to the community by stating that 10 of her teachers took time off from work to be present in the courtroom.

Despite the pleading from the victim’s mother, Judge Park released Jamison on 24-hour home confinement at her mother’s residence, saying her record weighed in favor of release.
Parties are slated to reconvene on April 24 before the case’s calendar judge, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Non-Fatal Stabbing Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Detained

A non-fatal stabbing defendant waived her right to a preliminary hearing and was denied release on March 17 before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum.

Denita Harris, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the unit block of Galveston Street, SE on Jan. 27. The victim was stabbed in the left thigh during the incident, and later transported to a hospital.

According to court documents, Harris and the victim had allegedly been in a relationship, and Harris was going to pick up her items from the victim’s residence. When Harris arrived at the house, the victim did not let her enter, and handed her items back. Harris then reportedly broke in through the back door, and stabbed the victim in the left thigh while he was on the phone with 911.

Harris waived her right to a preliminary hearing.

Adgie O’Bryant, Harris’ attorney, argued for Harris’ release in this case under conditions of a stay-away order, along with GPS monitoring and home confinement. O’Bryant stated Harris had a son to take care of and stable housing.

Prosecutors opposed release, since this was not the first time Harris had broken into the victim’s house and Harris has a past violent history, she should not be on release.

O’Bryant stated that a GPS and stay-away order would ensure that Harris does not return to the victim’s residence.

Judge Hildum denied the release request, saying that Harris had a civil stay-away order against her, running from 2025-to-2027, from a different individual. Judge Hildum also cited her criminal history including a simple assault and another assault with a dangerous weapon charge.

Parties are set to reconvene on April 15.

Jury Acquits Defendant of Obstructing Justice in Homicide Case

After less than a day of deliberations, jurors acquitted an obstruction of justice defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 19.

Aillayh Carter, 29, was charged with two counts of obstructing justice for allegedly attempting to influence witnesses in a homicide case by initially claiming she was responsible.

On Feb. 20, Carter’s case was severed from her fiancé, Robert Carpenter, 37, who 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 fatal shooting of 42-year-old Tremaine Nicholson. The incident occurred on May 7, 2024 on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE.

After Judge Ryan clarified the jury’s confusion about certain language during the parties’ closing statements, the panel came back with a not guilty verdict on both counts.

In her happiness with the outcome, Carater asked if she could thank the jury personally after parties were dismissed, but was advised not to do so by Judge Ryan.

No further hearings were set for Carter.

Homicide Defendant Won’t Act as His Own Lawyer

A defendant in a fatal shooting case withdrew a request to defend himself in trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 18.

Asani Forte, 28, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm with a crime of violence, and the destruction of property less than $1,000. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Delonte King on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW, on Nov. 3, 2021.

According to court records, during a hearing on Jan. 23, Forte requested to represent himself at his upcoming trial on Aug. 31. On March 12, one of Forte’s defense attorneys, Susan Ellis, sent an email to the court stating that Forte was withdrawing the request following conversations with his lawyers.

During the most recent motions hearing, Judge Brandt asked Forte to confirm he had changed his mind about wanting to represent himself. “I have the best attorneys,” Forte said, confirming his decision to keep both Ellis and Russell Hairston as his defense counsel.

Although there is no outstanding plea offer, Judge Brandt reminded parties that the deadline for plea negotiations is April 30.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 22.

Defense Claims Stabbing Defendant Wanted to Reject Plea Offer ‘From Day One’

A stabbing defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro during a hearing on March 17.

Crystal Davis, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place at the 1200 block of Missouri Avenue, NW on Feb. 6. The victim, the father of Davis’ child, sustained two lacerations to his forearm.

During the hearing, Davis’ attorney, Lola Ziadie, alerted parties that a trial date needs to be set in the case.

Ziadie stated that there had been no plea agreement reached, but that Davis had “said from day one,” that she didn’t want to accept a plea.

The prosecution countered saying they had extended a plea offer that required Davis to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of misdemeanor obstruction of property. In exchange, the prosecution would waive immediate detention and cap allocution at the bottom of the applicable sentencing guidelines.

Ziadie said her client rejected the plea offer and wants to go to trial.

Judge Di Toro expressed concern about setting a trial date because of the deadline to begin trial within 100 days of arrest. Ziadie indicated that they would no longer agree to pause the timeline, and asked Judge Di Toro to start counting from Feb. 13 to set a trial date.

After considering this, Judge Di Toro scheduled trial to begin on June 2.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 13.

Judge Won’t Remove Machete Stabbing Defendant’s GPS Monitor

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro denied a motion to remove GPS monitoring from a stabbing defendant at a hearing on March 17.

Eduavdo Gonzalez, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place at the 5000 block of Yuma Court, NW on Feb. 7.

According to court documents, reportedly Gonzalez had a verbal argument with a relative. He allegedly became irritated and ran towards her, brandishing a machete. The victim sustained a laceration on her left hand.

Gonzalez’s attorney, Joseph Scrofano, asked Judge Di Toro to consider removing his client’s GPS monitoring device. He noted that Gonzalez has been compliant with his release conditions, is employed, and lives with his parents.

Scrofano explained when speaking to the victim, her only request was that Gonzalez receive mental health treatment and keep the stay away order in place.

The prosecution opposed the changel, arguing that Gonzalez’s actions during the incident weren’t just illegal but demonstrated his loss of self-control.

Judge Di Toro acknowledged that Gonzalez has no prior criminal record or outstanding warrants but agreed with the prosecution that the facts of the case were serious enough to warrant keeping GPS in place.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 20.

Defense Argues Murder Defendant Needs Extensive Medical Care Awaiting Trial

Defense attorneys argued for eight specific medical needs a murder defendant must be provided while awaiting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 13.

Desmond Barr, 25, is charged with one count of second-degree murder while armed, one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the death of 21-year-old Ambria Farmer. The incident occurred on the 3300 block of Fort Dupont Drive, SE on July 13, 2024.

Barr’s attorneys, Hannah Claudio and Dominique Winters, argued for eight specific medical treatments that Barr needs for his chronic injuries due to a past shooting and car accident he sustained before getting arrested.

Winters began her arguments, noting D.C. Witness reported on a different case on March 11, in which DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted a defendant’s bail due to lack of medical treatment.

“Worse it has ever been.” Winters stated on behalf of Barr’s about his swelling leg on March 7 from blood clots. Winters also shared that Barr was supposed to have a Telehealth appointment on March 6, but the appointment was cancelled.

Winters enumerated her eight requests for Barr’s medical needs starting with a physiatrist, someone who specializes in spinal cord treatment.

Physical therapy and occupational therapy were both included in Winter’s requests for Barr with sessions two times a week for an hour each.

Winters stated that Barr would need to receive wound care and imaging for follow-up treatment.

Barr had previously been seeing a hematologist, who determines blood disorders, and a urologist, who determines problems in urinary tracts and the male reproductive system. While awaiting trial Barr has not received care for either issue, and Winter’s requested that he have access to both.

resulting from a car accident before his arrest. According to a doctor hired by the defense team, Barr has loose screws in his back and needs surgery to help alleviate pain.

Barr also suffers from a bone infection in his foot, leading to Winter’s request for a podiatrist to see Barr while he is in jail.

Winters’ last medical request was for another custom wheelchair for Barr. Barr previously had a custom wheelchair, but it broke and was taken away by the Department of Corrections (DOC).

Judge Park asked the DOC representative in the hearing if the previous wheelchair could be fixed. The DOC representative stated they did not know the location of the wheelchair currently, but assumed it was in storage.

In a hearing last October, 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.

In the current hearing, Judge Park granted all the medical requests.. If the needs are not met in a timely fashion Judge Park asked Winters and Claudio to file a motion for another hearing.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 8, 2027.

Parties Delay Sentencing for 2025 Shooting Near Elementary School

Parties delayed sentencing in a 2025 non-fatal shooting case near a school before DC Superior Judge Errol Arthur on March 16.

Wilson Dodson, 45, pleaded guilty on Dec. 6, 2025 to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year for his involvement in a shooting that occurred near Sela Public Charter Elementary School, at the intersection of Peabody Street and Chillum Place, NE on May 22, 2025.

Dodson fired five shots towards an SUV that was occupied by two people and toward another individual who was on a motorized scooter. No injuries were reported.

The hearing was called two hours after it was scheduled. The prosecution requested a continuance due to an important appointment later that day that would have interfered with the current hearing.

After confirming Judge Arthur had not reviewed the previously submitted pre-sentence report, the prosecution renewed its request for a continuance to allow time for review and accommodate scheduling.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on April 7.

Judge Agrees Shooting Defendant Mentally Competent

A shooting defendant was found mentally competent to stand trial before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on March 17.

Natalie Bisher, 25, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for her alleged involvement in a shooting on the 300 block of Evarts Street, NE on Nov. 27, 2025. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen that required surgery.

According to a report filed on March 16 from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Bisher was mentally competent. To stand trial, a defendant must have sufficient mental competence to understand the charges against them and be able to help their attorney defend the case.

At the hearing, neither party had any objections to DBH’s findings and Judge Pipe certified the result.

According to the DBH report, during Bisher’s competency evaluation she expressed concerns about her then attorney, James Ryan. After a brief discussion, Judge Pipe appointed Michelle Lockard to represent Bisher moving forward.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 20.

Released Stabbing Defendant Rejects Prosecution’s Plea Offer

A stabbing defendant rejected a plea offer for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on March 16.

Shamika Crawford, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, threatening to injure or kidnap a person, and destruction of property less than $1000 stemming from her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Jan. 6 on the unit block of Anacostia Road, SE.

Crawford allegedly had a verbal dispute with the victim, who she was in a relationship with at the time, that led to physical violence. According to court documents, police reported to the scene earlier in the day for the dispute, but were unable to contact Crawford inside the house.

After an hour the police returned to the same address in response to a call about a fight, allegedly involving Crawford and the victim. Court documents stated that the victim was seen with lacerations on his left arm, which he claimed were inflicted by Crawford. Crawford also allegedly sliced his tires with the same weapon.

The prosecution extended an offer that required Crawford to plead guilty to one count of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange the prosecution would dismiss all other charges.

Crawford declined the plea offer, and stated she would like to move towards a trial.

However, John Machado, Crawford’s attorney, stated he is open to continuing negotiations with the prosecution pending indictment. The deadline is Oct. 7. Machado recently received body-worn camera footage from the incident and intends on filing a counter offer after speaking with Crawford.

Machado requested a change in release conditions for Crawford, citing her full compliance and lack of a criminal record. The change would remove the current GPS monitoring, but keep the stay away order in place for the complainant.

Judge Pipe granted the motion.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 8.

Suspended Sentence in Domestic Violence Stabbing, Defendant Pleads Guilty

A domestic violence stabbing defendant pleaded guilty and was given a suspended sentence by DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on March 17.

Dameera Williams, 25, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a domestic violence stabbing on the 2400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, on Jan. 8. The victim was stabbed in the back.

In court, Williams accepted an offer from prosecutors that required her to plead guilty to simple assault. She understood that the maximum penalty for this charge is 180 days imprisonment. In exchange, she would not be charged with the more serious offense.

Had the case gone to trial, the prosecution said they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that, “Williams got in a verbal altercation with the victim, and once the victim turned his back away from her, she grabbed a knife and stabbed him in the back.”

After accepting Williams’ guilty plea, Judge McLean allowed the prosecutors to read a victim impact statement that supported rather than criticized her.

in summary, wrote that Williams is his significant other and that his family is struggling without her. It has been hard being a single father to their two young children, and in their 14 year long relationship, she had never been violent toward him or their children once, he said.

On the other hand, prosecutors said Williams’ crimes were unnecessary and horrific. The victim suffered a collapsed lung and a required blood transfusion in the ambulance. Furthermore, Williams lied to police officers that the victim had fallen on the knife in an open dishwasher, asserted the prosecution.

Prosecutors requested a 180 day sentence, suspending all but 120 days in hopes of preventing further harm.

Theresa Jenkins, Williams’ attorney requested a fully suspended sentence and one year of probation.

Williams told Judge McLean that she wants to go home and be with her kids.

Judge McLean sentenced Williams to 180 days, suspending all but time served, and one year of supervised probation. She is required to complete anger management courses and take part in mental health assessments.

Following the hearing, Williams will be released from the DC Jail. If she fails to meet the requirements of her probation, Judge McLean can require her to complete the required jail time.

No further dates are set for the parties.

Case Acquitted: Detective Says Obstruction Defendant Claimed Responsibility for Homicide

Editor’s Note: Aillayh Carter was acquitted of all charges by a jury on March 19, 2026.

A detective testified that an obstruction defendant took responsibility for a fatal shooting she didn’t commit in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 18.

Aillayh Carter, 29, is charged with two counts of obstruction of justice for her alleged attempt to influence two witnesses in a homicide case.

Carter’s case was severed on Feb. 20 from her fiancé, Robert Carpenter, 37, who 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. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 42-year old Tremaine Nicholson on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE, on May 7, 2024. Nicholson sustained four gunshot wounds.

Before the jury entered the courtroom, Carter’s attorney, Gregory Copeland, asked Judge Ryan to require the prosecution to refrain from calling the incident a “murder” and instead call it a “killing.”

Copeland claims that the prosecution is, “proceeding in this case as if it is a murder case” which it is not because Carter is not charged with murder.

Judge Ryan agreed with Copeland and asked the prosecution to be more careful with their language going forward because “words matter.”

In the video evidence provided by the prosecution that showed the outside of Carter’s apartment, the lead detective on the case pointed out a truck that belonged to Carpenter, proving he was at Carter’s apartment on the day of the homicide.

After the incident, the detective said body-worn camera footage showed an interview between him and Carter in which the detective said Carter would constantly be crying and then go silent. The detective testified Carter told police that Carpenter was there to drop off a pack of cigarettes at her apartment and left right after, having no involvement in the homicide.

According to the detective, throughout the interview, Carter consistently took responsibility for shooting Nicholson and questioned why the detective kept asking her about Carpenter.

The detective discussed additional body-worn camera footage in which an officer encountered Carter crying outside her apartment and “claimed” to the officer that she was injured.

During cross-examination, Copeland challenged the detective’s use of the word “claimed” when talking about Carter’s injury. He pointed out that Carter went to the hospital due to hyperventilation after the shooting. In response, the detective said that they use the term “claimed” when referring to statements that are made by any suspects in a case.

A forensic medical examiner described Nicholson’s multiple gunshot wounds that determined the cause of death was a homicide. The witness detailed four gunshot wounds: one to the left shoulder, one to the left lower back, and two to the back of his head and neck. They confirmed Nicholson had high levels of marijuana in his system when he died.

The prosecution reviewed DNA evidence obtained from a swab of Carter’s cheek and remnants from from her clothing. The witnesses confirmed there were no errors made in analyzing her DNA.

A DNA analyst verified the integrity of the test results showing Carter’s DNA was likely in the clothing she wore during the incident that Carpenter’s DNA was probably present as well.

A ballistics specialist testified that after examining the shell casings recovered from the scene and comparing them to other shell casings, he concluded that they were consistent with bullets fired from the gun in evidence. According to court documents and past testimony, the gun was recovered from Carpenter’s truck.

Parties will reconvene on March 19.

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