Prosecution Calls Detective in Motions Hearing for 2020 Homicide Case 

By Aubree Tomasetti [former] - October 18, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Oct. 18, the motions hearing in a 2020 fatal shooting case continued with the prosecution calling an investigating detective to testify before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan. 

Deon Walters, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempt to commit robbery while armed, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the Oct. 1, 2020 death of 42-year-old Arthur Daniels IV. The incident occurred on the 6000 block of 8th Street, NW. 

During the third day of hearings, the prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to testify about Walters’ arrest and detainment. According to the detective, he discovered multiple .40 caliber shell casings near the scene and recalled the area looking like an altercation had occurred because the dirt was unsettled. 

The prosecution displayed a T-Mobile phone bill with Walters listed as the subscriber. The detective testified Daniels’ last outgoing phone call was to Walters’ phone. Court documents allege Daniels’ was attempting to purchase a handgun from Walters. 

During cross examination, defense attorney Sylvia Smith presented body-worn camera footage of Walters’ arrest suggesting the police may have gone too far. Police officers can be heard stating, “We have you in the area surrounded,” outside of his home. In a separate screenshot, Walters is shown detained in the back of a police car.

In another clip from the body-worn camera footage, the detective is heard telling officers Walters had probable cause to commit a homicide. 

Smith said the detective had no grounds to make the probable cause claim without submitting the required paperwork.

The detective was not able to finish his testimony due to time constraints and will complete it on Oct. 24. 

As a result, the outstanding motions will be ruled on at a later date.

Judge Raffinan vacated the original trial date of Oct. 30, and rescheduled it for Nov. 6.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 24 for a continuation of the motions hearing.