Parties Give Opening Statements in 2023 Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

By Jai Bajaj [former] - October 31, 2023
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

On Oct. 31, parties gave opening statements 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 and serious injuries after an apparent altercation in an apartment building.

In their opening, prosecutors showed body camera footage from one of the first responders to the scene. The video showed the victim curled up bleeding profusely in a stairwell. He had been shot in the leg and his head was severely beaten, with cuts and bruises on his forehead and face.

Prosecutors alleged that Chandler and the victim had an argument earlier that day while they were hanging out at a mutual friend’s apartment. The victim kicked Chandler out of the apartment and, according to prosecutors, Chandler returned to the apartment later that day with her son Donnell Tucker, 27, to “seek out [the victim] to get revenge”.

Judge O’Keefe granted a motion earlier to sever Tucker’s case because Chandler

Prosecutors claimed Tucker shot the victim while Chandler beat him. They called it a “retaliatory assault”.

According to the prosecution there are two witnesses, including the victim, who will testify that Chandler and Tucker committed the crime.

In response, defense attorney Thomas Healey said, “Something terrible did happen,” but added, “Chandler did not do this–she’s innocent”.

According to Healey, the evidence does not line up “Listen hard to the facts, try to connect them,” he told the jury. 

The defense argued that there is no clear and convincing evidence that Chandler committed the crime.

After opening statements, prosecutors called one of the first responders, a Metropolitan Police Department(MPD) officer, for testimony.

According to the officer, when she arrived on the scene, she found the badly injured victim and tried to ask him questions but he was in severe pain. In body camera footage the victim can be heard yelling in agony.

During cross examination, the officer stated she did not see a shooter or a weapon at the scene.

Parties will reconvene Nov. 1.