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By
Emily Nordberg
- March 10, 2025
Daily Stories
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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The prosecution and the defense had different interpretations of evidence presented in an ongoing homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 5.
Jerome Israel, 21, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful discharge of a firearm, two charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license, and two counts of destruction of property for his alleged involvement in the murder of ChaQuan Barbett, 24, on Aug. 23, 2022 on the 2300 block of Minnesota Ave, SE.
A DNA expert testified his analysis of a genetic sample taken from Barbett’s pants the night of the incident confirmed that one of the foreign DNA profiles found was more likely to be from Israel than not.
When asked by defense attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein about the likelihood ratio of Israel’s DNA being on Barbett’s pants, the witness stated he wouldn’t trust that the likelihood ratio as it is so close to one–in other words, meaning it could go either way.
However, the witness also stated that Israel could not be excluded as a contributor to DNA profiles in the sample. The witness agreed the six percent contributor profile attributed to Israel on an airbag was “very low” but emphasized the likelihood ruled in favor of inclusion.
Another analyst confirmed that different laboratory protocols can lead to different DNA interpretations.
In closing, prosecutors argued Israel chased down and murdered Barbett and then returned to the scene in the early hours of Aug. 25, 2022, firing the same gun 14 times before fleeing in a stolen suspect vehicle, which crashed shortly thereafter.
According to the prosecution, surveillance footage showed Israel waiting in an alley before pursuing Barbett, firing multiple shots, and leaving him to die. Eyewitnesses witnessed the attack after hearing gunshots, with one witness describing seeing the shooter kick Barbett after he was shot.
Traffic camera footage captured the stolen vehicle’s license plate moments after the shooting, and the same vehicle was allegedly involved in another shooting at the same location, just over 32 hours after Barbett’s death.
Shortly after, responding officers saw an individual running from a Dodge Charger, which then fled the area. Officers pursued the vehicle, which eventually crashed at the intersection of Alabama Avenue and Branch Avenue, according to the prosecution.
When officers arrived, they found a firearm next to the driver’s side door and an open juice bottle. DNA testing likely linked Israel to both items, and the firearm was likely matched to shell casings from both shootings. Additional DNA evidence on the driver’s side airbag suggested Israel had been inside the vehicle before the crash.
The prosecution argued the crime was premeditated, stating intent could form “as quick as the thought itself.”
In the defense closing, Sapirstein acknowledged Barbett’s murder, but contended that the evidence did not conclusively link Israel to the crime.
Sapirstein challenged the credibility of the only person to identify Israel in that he faced criminal charges, and could get a financial reward for his testimony. Sapirstein contended his in-court identification carried little weight since there was no other likely option.
The defense raised doubts about the forensic evidence, arguing that although DNA on a juice bottle likely placed Israel inside the stolen vehicle, it did not prove he was the one driving or present during the shootings. Further, the DNA on the gun suggested others possible suspects.
As for the suspect vehicle, it had tinted windows making impossible to see who was inside during the incidents or who was the driver.
Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.