Case Acquitted: Parties Are Now Ready For Trial After Four Years 

By Alesar Harfoush [former] , Mariam Kamate [former] - February 23, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

This case was acquitted on March 23, 2023.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan limited the prosecution to using only four to five pictures down from 52 of the 16 victims’ wounds during a motions hearing on Feb. 22. 

Twenty-one-year-old Kaevon Sutton is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business for allegedly shooting of Aujee Tyler, 22. The shooting occurred on March 19, 2018, on the 3500 block of Stanton Road SE. 

In court the judge expressed that jurors may feel uneasy about the vivid autopsy photos. He stated that both parties may benefit by using diagrams instead of actual photos. 

On Wednesday, attorneys prepared for the upcoming trial and went through the evidence that would be used from the prosecution’s side along with opening statements 

The prosecution expects to call family members to testify along with the medical examiner. 

The defense objected to the number of family members that are testifying, claiming that it will be repetitive. 

Judge Ryan overruled the objection.

He said that while he understands that repetition might be an issue, he would make that call when it happens during the trial. He stated that the testimonies are all relevant, and he will not be eliminating any before they happen. 

Defense attorneys Terrence Austin and Jessica Willis requested an additional question to be added to the 12 questions during jury selection. The question asks if a potential juror would be affected emotionally by the testimony, which would distract them from allowing Sutton to have a fair trial.

Instead of adding an additional question, Judge Ryan motioned their request into consideration and added the testimony to be a part of another question that  addresses gun violence and the autopsy pictures. 

The prosecution asked if the defense would begin their arguments with self-defense. No final answer was given. 

However, Judge Ryan informed the prosecution that the defense is allowed to start with self-defense based on evidence that was previously given to him 

Jury selection is scheduled to start on Feb. 23.