Case Dismissed: Parties Dispute Over Number of Gunshots

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 20, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

Editor’s note: The case against Kenneil Cole was dismissed on Feb. 1, 2023.

During a status hearing Feb. 20, the prosecution told a DC Superior Court judge that a medical examiner on the case will testify to 11 different gunshot wounds. But, the defense says there were only six shots.

Kenneil Cole, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting his roommate, Keon Delonte Wallace, on the 2400 block of Skyland Place, SE. Cole, 24, who turned himself into the police, said he shot his roommate in self-defense after Wallace, 24, pulled a semi-automatic rifle on him.

Defense attorney James King told  DC Superior Court Judge Neal E. Kravitz that a witness, who was at the scene of the crime said there were only six gunshots. King said the witness will testify.  

The prosecution said the medical examiner, who conducted the autopsy, found 11 gunshot entry points on the victim. 

The prosecution told the judge that the defense’s witness is not credible.

The prosecutor told the judge that the events of that night might have been shocking to the system. Therefore, the witness may not have heard correctly and may not be credible.  

A continuation of the hearing is set for Feb. 21. 

This article was written by Jailynn Caraballo.