Preliminary Hearing Brings Evidence in Homicide Case

By Hypatia Fitzsimons [former] - November 30, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Nov. 29 DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun heard the first day of evidence to determine if a homicide case can go to trial.

Antwain Ulmer, 18, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Charles Sullivan that occurred on July 9 on the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE. 

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who identified Ulmer as the suspect.

The detective explained that when trying to find the suspect, MPD put together a photo array for a witness to identify. The witness chose a picture of Ulmer, and said “the witness was 100% sure.” 

The court was shown video footage from the Circle Seven store, where the murder occurred including an individual identified as Ulmer and three people going into the convenience store. After looking around the store, buying a food item, Ulmer is seen by the door. Then Sullivan and another person walk in, and Ulmer takes his gun out of his waistband and allegedly shoots Sullivan. 

Defense attorney Frances D’antuono said Ulmer was not looking outside because “he’s looking directly at us.” 

According to the detective, “You can see his eyes fixated in the direction of the decedent.” 

To D’antuono, it appears that Sullivan has his hand in his waistband where a gun could be located. The detective said “It doesn’t appear he has his hand in his waistband like defendant Ulmer does.”

Due to time constraints, the witness was unable to finish his testimony. 

The preliminary hearing will continue on Nov. 30.