A trial involving a shooting among family members got underway before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Sept. 16.
Larry Carr, 21, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of an unregistered firearm in connection to a non-fatal shooting that took place on the 100 block of Ridge Rd. SE on Oct. 22, 2023.
According to court documents, the shooting stemmed from a verbal dispute among family members, and Carr allegedly shot his cousin.
The prosecution opened their case by painting a picture of the defendant as an angry, impulsive man. They stated that Carr saw the victim, his cousin, enter the house where he was sleeping and immediately flew into a rage, an argument ensued, and Carr shot the victim despite not being in any physical danger and having no legal justification.
The prosecution stated that the animosity between the two came from the victim’s exposing himself to Carr’s young sister, which caused other family members to kick the cousin out of their house. The victim had also allegedly assaulted a mentally disabled boy on a bus months before.
Carr’s defense, led by attorney Teresa Kleiman, claimed Carr was in fear for his life because of both the actions of the victim and their prior history. She explained that Carr was only 19 years old at the time of the incident, was a high school graduate, and was employed at a movie theater.
Kleiman stated that the victim was carrying a knife and entered a house without authorization.. Carr had been sleeping on the couch when he was startled and woke up, according to Kleiman. Upon seeing the victim holding a weapon and with knowledge of his history of violence against children, Carr grabbed a gun and an argument ensued.
The defense emphasized that during the exchange, family members were restraining each of them and Carr put the gun away in his waistband. The victim allegedly continued to approach and stated “one of us is not leaving here alive”. According to Kleiman, Carr then took the gun back out and fired once, striking the victim in the cheek.
Trial is set to reconvene on Sept. 17.
