Opening Statements and Testimony in 2023 Homicide Trial

By Audrey Staudacher [former] , Mia Febles [former] - January 26, 2024
Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Jan. 23, opening statements and witness testimony was presented in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Elhadji Ndiaye, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, tampering with physical evidence, robbery while armed, destruction of property less than $1,000, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Travis Ruth, 21, on the 2700 block of Jasper Street, NE, on Jan. 18, 2019. 

According to the prosecution, Ndiaye allegedly told an eyewitness to keep his mouth shut about the incident. 

The prosecution’s opening statement focused on the night of the crime when a group of friends, including Ndiaye and Ruth, were hanging out, drinking, and listening to music in an alley,

The prosecution alleged that Ruth told the defendant he was going live on Instagram. Then Ndiaye asked Ruth if he had funnel, which is tobacco to mix with marijuana, and Ruth responded, “nah Elijah.” Prosecutors claim that Ruth calling Ndiaye “Elijah” may have led to the shooting, possibly because he preferred to be called by his nickname, “Boosie.”

During the defense’s opening statement, Ndiaye’s attorney, Nikki Lotze, claimed there is no evidence to prove he was on the scene at the time of the incident. Instead, the defense claims Ndiaye was home and was trying to get in contact with his friends who were still at the alley. 

Trial is set to resume Jan. 24.