Probable Cause Found in Homicide Case and Defendant Detained

By Sadie Herman [former] - January 16, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Jan. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause that a homicide defendant must stand trial.

Tremone Jackson, 20, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Charles Towles on the 1400 block of L Street, SE on Nov. 4, 2023.

The prosecution began by calling the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) lead detective on the case to testify about surveillance footage captured on the afternoon of the shooting.

The detective explained that the shooting occurred at a public housing complex and the video captures Townes arriving at the location then having a physical altercation with an individual in a red hoodie as they exit the facility. The individual in the red hoodie was identified by the detective as Jackson. After the altercation, there is observable gunfire.

Townes is then seen lying flat on the ground, as the individual police identify as Jackson, along with one other person, run away quickly from the scene. 

During cross-examination, Jackson’s defense attorney, Russell Hairston, pointed out Jackson isn’t seen with a weapon when he went into the building,

Additionally, Hairston questioned the detective whether Townes was seen with a weapon, specifically asking if it is clear in the footage. The detective explained that he since learned that Townes did not have a firearm on him at the time of the shooting, and agreed that simply from the footage, it is unclear if Townes was armed.

The detective explained Jackson and Townes knew each other, and were having a dispute before things became physical, allegedly regarding Jackson’s girlfriend.

Hairston also argued the individual originally seen entering the building, who has been identified as Jackson, could be different than the person seen arguing with Townes. That’s based on surveillance footage showing the suspect going briefly back to his vehicle. Hairston argued that another person could have left the vehicle, and it may not have been Jackson.

Hairston said there is no probable cause given no positive identification, and not knowing if Townes had a firearm.

However, Judge Epstein found probable cause in this case, and there is enough evidence to go to trial. He explained there’s no physical evidence Townes was armed or that the shooting was in self-defense.

Hairston then requested Jackson be released since this is his first criminal offense, and his lawyer said he has very strong family support.

The prosecution argued Jackson should be detained. They explained he shot someone in broad daylight, an extremely dangerous act.

Judge Epstein agreed with the prosecution that Jackson should be detained. 

Parties are expected to reconvene Jan 19.