Officer Testifies to Turning Body Cam Off

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 27, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a murder trial, a Metropolitan Police Department officer testified that he turned his body-worn camera off before interviewing a witness, despite laws prohibiting him from doing so.  

El Hadji Alpha Madiou Toure is charged with first-degree murder while armed and first-degree sexual abuse, among other offenses, for his alleged role in the stabbing death of 34-year-old Corrina Mehiel on the 600 block of 14th Street, NE in 2017. According to court documents, Mehiel was found in her apartment with stab wounds that were consistent with torture.

The officer testified Feb. 26 that he turned his body worn camera off shortly after arriving on the murder scene. Footage from the camera seems to indicate that he was instructed to do so by another officer. 

Another officer, who specializes in evidence collection, said he took pictures of Mehiel. The officer said he found the victim tied up and covered in clothing.He also said he found lacerations on Mehiel’s body and stains in her apartment that resembled blood.

During her cross examination, defense attorney Jacqueline Cadman questioned how  evidence, including a coffee cup and electronic tablet were handled during the investigation. Apparently, the coffee cup, which was intact at Mehiel’s apartment, was broken during transport to a police station, Cadman said.

The trial is scheduled to resume on Feb. 27.