Parties Spar Over ‘Reasonable Doubt’ In Homicide Trial Closing

By Mia Febles - April 22, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

“Reasonable doubt is a doubt based on reason,”said prosecutors during closing statements of a homicide trial, adding “what reason tells us is that Eric Davis is guilty.” 

Davis, 60, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the murder of 41-year-old Theodore Riley on the 1600 block of Gales Street, SE on July 19, 2021.

“The defendant is guilty of the murder of Theodore Riley,” insisted the prosecution on April 22. 

They presented the jury with a compilation of video surveillance clips of an individual, identified as Davis, and Riley walking together outside of a Chick-fil-A restaurant, near the crime scene, and ended with Davis allegedly running away towards F Street, NE. 

The prosecution claimed Davis raised his gaiter, or mask, to cover his face before entering an alleyway. 

“[Davis] puts his mask over his nose knowing full well what’s about to happen,” the prosecution stated. 

According to the prosecution, after leaving the alleyway, Davis attempted to change his appearance by putting on a gray long-sleeve shirt to cover his black t-shirt. 

“[Davis] was endeavoring to prevent anybody from seeing what he was about to do,” the prosecution argued. 

Moreover, they claimed there was no one else in the alley at the time of the shooting and if there were, the only way to access the alley is through the north and south entrances. 

The prosecution stated, “the evidence is clear that there is one person who endeavored to cover his tracks… one person who is seen exiting the alleyway… one person who is guilty for killing Riley and that is the defendant.”

In their closing statement, Davis’ defense attorney, Howard McEachern, argued the prosecution is “creative storytelling” about what happened. 

McEachern claimed there is no video evidence showing Davis shooting Riley and no witnesses who can testify they saw him do it. 

“Let’s be clear about what the videos depict,” McEachern stated, claiming the body language between Davis and Riley was “not argumentative” or “contentious.” 

“Reasonable doubt is ringing all over the place,” McEachern expressed to the jury. 

McEachern argued Riley could’ve been shot in the alleyway by another individual who entered and exited it by hopping over a fence that faced backyards on the other side of the alley. “Although it’s not encouraged for someone to go over the fence, it’s possible,” McEachern stated. 

According to McEachern, the prosecution is offered “wild and crazy speculation” about assumptions they cannot prove. 

McEachern concluded by asking the jury to “reflect upon” his arguments about the alleyway. 

“Davis is not guilty,” McEachern insisted.

In their rebuttal, the prosecution argued McEachern’s claims were “speculation and guesswork.” 

“Reasonable doubt is a doubt based on reason,” the prosecution continued, “what reason tells us is that Davis is guilty.” 

DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe excused the jury to begin their deliberations.