Parties Give Closing Arguments in 2020 Robbery and Shooting Case

By Nick Pallotto [former] - November 3, 2023
Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects |

On Nov. 2, parties gave closing arguments in a 2020 shooting and robbery trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan

Anthony Owens and George Belk, both 44, are charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, assault with intent to commit another offense, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their alleged involvement in a shooting and robbery incident that occurred on April 15, 2020, on the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE. The incident left Owens and Belk with minor injuries.

Prosecutors cited the closed circuit surveillance footage showing Owens and Belk allegedly walking up to the victim and attempted to rob him near his car. The prosecutor cited the victim’s testimony when he says he was told by Owens to “give that sh*t up,” referring to the victim’s belongings and that one of the suspect’s pointed a gun at this stomach.

According to prosecutors, there’s proof that Owens and Belk waited for the victim in a black van as he entered a restaurant. 

Prosecutors insisted the trial was not about the individual who stepped in to help the victim by shooting Owen and Belk, but rather about the actions taken by Owens and Belk. 

Bruce Cooper, Belk’s defense attorney, argued that there is no evidence to suggest that Owens or Belk used a firearm during the robbery. 

Cooper told the jury the victim was armed when he went to breakfast on the day of the incident, stating the only individuals in possession of a gun were the victim and the individual that shot at Belk and Owens. 

He said that following the incident, police didn’t search Belk’s or Owens’ home to look for a firearm that might link them to the incident. 

Additionally, Cooper said that when the suspect’s van made its way from T Street to the United Medical Center at the 1300 block of Southern Avenue, SE following the incident, there were no guns or ammunition found in the vehicle.

Cooper said cited the differences between the victim’s grand jury testimony where he stated he was shot during the incident, and his testimony during the trial where he said he was not shot.

In a rebuttal prosecutors urged the jury to consider the surveillance and victim’s testimony where he said Owens and Belk were armed.

The case is now in the hands of the jury.