Parties Give Closing Statements in 2020 Non-Fatal Shooting Case

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On Oct. 23, parties gave closing statements in a 2020 non-fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Vincent James, 39, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place at a liquor store on the 3900 block of South Capitol Street, SE, on July 30, 2020. One individual sustained severe injuries.

Trial resumed with the cross examination of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who was the lead investigator. He previously gave testimony on Oct. 19, during which he spoke about security camera footage at the liquor store and an adjacent AutoZone.

James’ defense attorney, Susan Ellis, argued that no witnesses had identified James as the person shown in the security camera footage.

The detective agreed, but stated all the evidence points to the shooter’s being the man shown on camera, making a purchase at the AutoZone. According to the detective, James used a card with his name on it at the car parts store, which is around the corner from the crime scene hours before the shooting.

Ellis continued to argue about the lack of evidence confirming with the detective that no gun was discovered and no DNA evidence was found.

Before closing statements, Ellis made a motion for judgment of acquittal on all counts, citing a lack of concrete evidence.

The prosecutors responded saying that there was strong circumstantial evidence that points to James as the shooter.

Judge O’Keefe agreed with the prosecution and denied the motion.

During closing arguments, prosecutors displayed the receipt and Autozone rewards account naming Vincent James as the owner. Prosecutors mentioned that during James’ police interview, he said he had been purchasing license plate frames, which matched the receipt’s content.

They also argued the man displayed in the Autozone footage wearing all black clothing and patterned socks matched the surveillance footage of the shooter, alleging this further proved James’ involvement.

They also presented footage that allegedly displayed the shooter taking a gun out of his pocket with his left hand and said detectives witnessed James signing papers with his left hand during his non-custodial interview.

Prosecutors detailed the hospital had to call a “Code Yellow,” “because of the gravity of the victim’s injuries.”

At a previous hearing a doctor, who identified herself as a specialist in trauma surgery, testified this is the most severe code, which requires doctors to call in a chaplain to prepare the victim’s last rights in case they succumb to their injuries.

Ending their argument, prosecutors stated, “This is a shooting captured on video, you can see it with your own eyes.”

During closing arguments, Ellis argued most of the evidence provided was “fuzzy” and not clear enough to prove James’ guilt. Ellis emphasized James’ compliance in voluntarily attending a police interview.

Ellis stated, “I ask you to remember the holes and the pieces that are missing.”

Prosecutors rebutted by stating “You don’t need every single piece of a puzzle to know what you’re looking at.” Prosecutors also alleged James’ sister may have been covering up for him during her testimony and interactions with police.

Starting Oct. 24, the jury is expected to begin their deliberations.