Parties Argue Over Language in Murder Case

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Parties had a lengthy debate on whether the language used by expert witnesses should be altered to be more comprehensible by the jury during a Feb. 8 hearing.

Alphonso Walker, 45, is being charged with first-degree murder in connection to the deaths of Dalonte Wilson, 23, and Antone Brown, 44. The shooting occurred in the 400 block of 61 Street, NE on April 25, 2018.

A representative from The Innocence Project argued that the jury could misinterpret the meaning of evidence if loaded language like “verification,” “consistent with,” and “identification” are used by expert witnesses. The Innocence Project has paired with scientists to investigate wrongful convictions and push for better verification in forensic analysis.

Defense attorney Jess Willis and the prosecution spoke at length about their language proposals, citing previous scientific studies and testimony from expert witnesses in firearm and toolmark analysis.

Tensions were high due to time constraints in preparation for the upcoming trial. DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt expressed her concerns and warned parties if continued the next trial date will not be until 2024.

“I need more time to digest this and put this into writing…stay tuned,” Judge Brandt said.

The next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 9.

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