Prosecutors say a parking dispute between neighbors led to a non-fatal shooting in opening statements of a jury trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Feb. 2.
Juwan Russell, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with firearm (public place), carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and destruction of property, for his alleged involvement in a June 25, 2025 non-fatal shooting on the 1000 block of 16th Street, NE.
During opening statements, the prosecution told jurors the case involved a long-running neighborhood conflict over parking that escalated into gunfire. Court records indicate, the victim and Russell were neighbors who shared a back alley behind their residences, and what began as a normal relationship became increasingly hostile over disputes about where they parked.
The prosecutor claimed the victim avoided confrontation whenever possible. The day of the shooting, the prosecution said Russell approached the victim with another male and threatened him. The victim left the area but later returned because his fiancée called, concerned about her safety when parking near their home.
Prosecutors said that as the victim walked toward his vehicle, Russell intentionally fired at the car while wearing a black and yellow hoodie.
The prosecution said jurors will hear testimony about cartridge casings recovered at the scene, see the damage on the vehicle, and watch surveillance footage of a person matching the shooter’s description. According to the prosecution, officers later searched Russell’s home and recovered clothing consistent with witness descriptions and video evidence.
Lisbeth Sapirstein, Russell’s attorney, told jurors that Russell was not guilty and argued the prosecutor’s version of events was not what actually happened. She asserted that the victim was the source of escalating tensions between the neighbors.
According to Sapirstein, in a separate incident, the victim brandished an object at a teenager, but later claimed it was not a gun. Sapirstein suggested jurors should question the victim’s credibility and reminded them that the burden of proof rests entirely with the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Trial is set to continue on Feb. 3.
