During Trial Officer Says Shooting Victim Screamed in ‘Pain and Agony’

By Elizabeth Bernstein - September 13, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

A responding officer recalled the victim’s suffering to a jury on Sept. 11, before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur. 

Jerry Tyree, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of liquid PCP, and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged role in a Nov. 29, 2023, shooting on the 5900 block of Foote Street, NE. A transgender woman sustained severe injuries during the incident.

The prosecution called the first officer to respond to the scene on the day of the incident and his body cam footage was shown to the jury. 

According to the officer, when he arrived at the apartment building the door was locked but he stated that he “could hear someone inside screaming in pain and agony.” 

Once inside, the officer testified, he saw the victim sitting on the steps screaming and grabbing her groin area. He noted seeing a lot of blood around the pelvic area and heard the victim say “I got shot in the dick.” 

The footage also showed the victim describing her assailant as a short light-skinned male with dreads dressed in a black jacket and that he had a silver pocket gun. 

The victim also indicated that the incident took place above her on the stairs. During cross-examination, the victim said while she was screaming and in extreme pain she was able to give information to the police. 

The prosecution called a forensic scientist from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), who testified he took photographs and recovered evidence from the crime scene on the day of the shooting. 

He testified that he saw drops of blood in the hallway, blood on the stairs, a clear liquid on the floor, a cigarette dipped in a substance on the floor, and a cartridge on the floor.

After collecting evidence at the scene, the witness went to the hospital to see the victim and observed a small circular hole around her groin as well as holes and blood on the victim’s underpants and pants.  Pictures of the attack’s aftermath were shown to the jury as well a bullet collected at the scene.

The officer that arrested Tyree on Dec. 30, 2023 testified he attempted to run away on the 5200 block of Sheriff Road, NE..  

The officer said a firearm, two empty vials, one vial suspected to be PCP, and two cigarettes dipped in a substance were allegedly recovered from Tyree. Body cam footage of the arrest was shown to the court and the officer noted that Tyree was resistant and that all items had to be recovered forcefully.

The trial will continue on Sept. 12.