Prosecution Calls More of Their Witnesses in 6 Co-Defendant Trial 

By Rachel Benck [former] , Alesar Harfoush [former] - March 14, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On March 13, the prosecution called two detectives who were involved in two other shootings that happened in the area of Wellington Park. 

Gregory Taylor, 26, Quentin Michals, 25, Qujuan Thomas, 24, Darrise Jeffers, 23, Isaiah Murchison, 22, and Marquell Cobbs, 21, are six of 10 defendants charged with first-degree murder, criminal street gang affiliation, conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill, and other charges regarding a fatal drive-by shooting that resulted in the death of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson. The shooting happened on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE on July 16, 2018.

The detectives were questioned about multiple shootings that occurred around the area of Wellington Park. Both detectives said there were two different shootings that are, according to the prosecution, allegedly connected to gang activity in the neighborhood.

According to the witnesses testimonies, the first shooting occurred in a parking lot on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE. The second shooting occurred at an apartment complex across the street on Elvans Road, SE.

After the jury was dismissed, the parties discussed evidence that has not yet been introduced in the trial. 

The evidence includes Instagram live videos depicting Michals, Jeffers, and Murchison involved with other individuals who, according to the prosecution, are all members of an alleged gang in Wellington Park. 

The defense objected to the evidence and stated that it is irrelevant and the prosecution should not be allowed to use it as evidence. 

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun allowed the prosecution to use most of the evidence while taking into consideration the defense’s request and asked them to cut out a few parts of it.   

The trial is scheduled to continue on March 14.