Parties Give Closing Arguments in 2023 Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

By Jai Bajaj [former] - November 3, 2023
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

On Nov. 2, parties gave closing arguments in a non-fatal shooting trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples.

Tiaquana Chandler, 42, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree burglary while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed and soliciting a violent crime, for her alleged involvement in a shooting that took place March 28, on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE.

One individual sustained a gunshot wound to the leg after an apparent altercation in an apartment building.

Initially, prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who discussed jail calls which were made by Chandler the week following her arrest. 

In the jail calls, Chandler said “they ain’t got no evidence on me,” and “the ring got no blood on it,” referring to a ring prosecutors alleged she was wearing during the assault. The injuries sustained to the victim’s head were severe deep cuts that prosecutors claim were caused by a ring.

The detective also discussed video from outside the apartment building where the crime took place. A person who prosecutors claim is Chandler’s son, 27-year-old Donnell Tucker, is seen walking up the driveway. Minutes later, a gunshot is heard and two people, who the detective identified as Chandler and Tucker, exit the building.

Then Chandler’s defense attorney, Eric Madsen, made a motion for acquittal based on lack of evidence Chandler committed the crime while armed. 

Judge Staples denied the motion citing the large amount of circumstantial evidence, as well as the injuries to the victim.

In their closing arguments, prosecutors stated “even though she didn’t possess the gun, she is just as culpable for the shooting”. 

According to prosecutors, under the law Chandler was an aider and abetter, and can be found guilty of the actions taken by the shooter. The prosecutor said, “She put a person with a gun in that position,” referring to Tucker.

According to prosecutors, the crime could not have happened without Chandler.

The prosecutor said, “[Chandler] wanted to take justice into her own hands”.

And, “Justice for [the victim] is guilty on all counts.”

Chandler’s defense attorney, Thomas Healy, said in response, “the question is whether the evidence points to Chandler”. According to Healy, “this is a conspiracy case without a conspiracy”.

The defense argued that prosecutors did not provide enough evidence to prove that Chandler committed these crimes, “beyond a reasonable doubt”.

In their rebuttal, a prosecutor said “[Chandler] chose vengeance.” 

The prosecutor cited how multiple people, including the victim, identified Chandler as one of the attackers. The prosecution acknowledged that she wasn’t the one with the gun, but said her goal was to bring her son there to assault the victim.

The jury is expected to begin deliberations Nov. 3.