‘Overwhelming Case,’ Says Judge, As He Finds Probable Cause for Homicide 

By Phillip Lopez , Rohan Naval - February 29, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Domestic Violence | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide. 

Yazmin Owens, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the death of Nakysia Lemon-Williams, 26, on Nov. 14, 2023, on the 1900 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

According to MPD documents, officers were flagged down at the location for the report of a shooting. When they arrived, they located Lemon-Williams with gunshot wound injuries and transported her to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. 

Owens’ defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, resumed her cross examination of lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) homicide detective on the case. regarding an eyewitness’ criminal history, which included burglary, robbery, and firearm convictions. The detective acknowledged the convictions.

The detective also stated that MPD took surveillance footage from numerous locations around the crime scene, including “several Metro buses,” and footage from an apartment where the homicide took place. 

When asked about why body-worn cameras and Ring doorbell footage were not submitted in police reports, the detective stated that there was “nothing there that would assist the investigation.”

Smith questioned disparities between MPD’s statements about the actual timing of events and the timestamps on the footage. According to the detective, there were technical issues as discussed in the affidavit. However, he said the footage is “clear” showing the suspect and Lemon-Williams walking together, before an interaction occurs off camera. 

The footage contains audible statements including Owens allegedly telling Lemon-Williams to leave the complex. Smith argued that Lemon-Williams “struck” Owens. The detective stated that he could not confirm that from the footage.

According to Smith, another witness talked to the detective and provided photographs and surveillance footage of the incident used to identify Owens as a suspect.

Smith asked why the witness was taking photos, and who was included?

The detective said there were safety concerns in the building, adding that the witness was taking pictures, “to make sure that area of the building calms down.”

Smith referred to another female mentioned in the affidavit, who had a ‘Twin’ tattoo. Smith noted that Owens has a twin sister.

The detective stated that MPD ruled out Owens’ twin as a suspect in this case. 

Smith went on to question the sobriety of three different witnesses and impugned Lemon-Williams’ sobriety, to which the detective stated that she “had a drug habit.” However, he stated he has not seen any evidence of violent behavior, assaultive conduct, or Lemon-Williams possessing weapons. 

When discussing Owens’ arrest, the detective stated she “ran away” from officers.

In arguing probable cause, the prosecution presented multiple video surveillance segments and audio from the incident. One clip shows an individual identified as Owens approaching Lemon-Williams before the shooting, with audio of Owens allegedly saying “she deserves an Oscar for that s**t” while boarding a bus.

During her initial interview with MPD, Owens allegedly told detectives an item she was seen holding in surveillance footage was a stick, later saying that the object could be anything. 

According to the prosecution, their case is “exceptionally strong,” arguing that Owens’ actions are “strong evidence of premeditation.”

Smith responded that the identification process was “not enough” to meet the standard of probable cause. She said the witness that “the detective relied heavily on” failed to identify the shooter.

In mentioning the police interview, Smith stated that the “statements should give serious pause,” arguing that Owens seemed to be sleepy and lethargic. 

Smith also referred to Owens’ past, stating that she has “no prior assaultive conduct” and that no threats were made in any of the evidence.

The defense repeatedly admonished the lead detective for his investigation, and insisted that his reliance on the interview represents a “failure of the detective to do any meaningful investigation.”

Nonetheless,Judge Okun found probable cause, stating “I don’t think it is a close case at all.” He described the incident as “a quick shooting” and an “overwhelming case.”

He referred to surveillance footage shown earlier allegedly depicting the crime as, “One of the most powerful and inculpatory videos I have seen during my time on the bench.” 

However, he stated that “the defense has done a good job of identifying weaknesses in accounts,” by witnesses.

As opposed to detention Smith asked for Owens to be put in a mental institution under GPS monitoring and offered drug treatment.

Smith referred to Owens’ absence of a criminal history and stated that detention at the DC Jail would be harmful. She called the jail “unfit for humans,” and stated that mental and physical healthcare “does not exist” at the facility.

The prosecution displayed images of Owens allegedly assaulting a correctional officer at the jail, and added that “the violence we hear about in jail is caused by the defendant.”

The defense responded the prosecution is “making stuff up”, and taking things out of context.

In rebuttal, the prosecution alleged that if Owens is released, she may harm witnesses. in that, “She’s already murdered one person.”

Judge Okun ruled that there is enough evidence detain Owens. He will later take up a defense contention that Owens’ rights were violated because she didn’t fully consent to a police interview.

Judge Okun concluded there is “no crime more serious in DC than first-degree murder.”

Parties are slated to return April 5.