Prosecution Claims Murder Was, ‘Like Shooting Fish in a Barrel’

By Marissa Stambaugh [former] - November 7, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, heard opening statements from three prosecution witnesses, one claiming to identify the suspect, as a homicide trial got underway on Nov. 6. 

Mark Beasley, 52, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Darryn Conte. This incident occurred on April 26, 2015 on the 400 block of Butternut Street, NW. 

According to court documents, an individual shot at a vehicle on the 400 block of Butternut Street 13 times, nine of those shots striking and killing Conte and one injuring another. The victims in the vehicle were waiting for their friends to arrive and headed home from the Takoma Station Bar.

The prosecution argued that, through surveillance footage and witness identification, it is clear that Beasley was there on the night of the incident. 

According to prosecutors, a witness described the shooter as a larger male, white complexion with a gray and blue sweat jacket. The prosecution insisted that is what Beasley was seen wearing at and around the tavern that night. 

Another witness, who is a friend of Beasley’s and who went to the bar that night with him, is set to testify that Beasley allegedly committed the crime. 

The prosecution said that the victim was enjoying a night out with friends, before it turned tragic when he was shot and killed in a vehicle, which the prosecution said was ‘like shooting fish in a barrel’. 

They also argued for premeditated murder as Beasley, according to his friend, had stated, ‘This is what I do,’ before allegedly firing shots into the vehicle. 

Defense attorneys Destiny Fullwood-Singh and Albert Amissah argued that there is another possible suspect shown in the surveillance footage who also was capable of committing the crime. 

An individual seen hanging outside the bar and closer to the corner where the incident occurred also matched another witness’ statement given to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), according to the defense. 

One witness identified the suspect as a light-skinned Black male with a bald head also wearing a blue and gray sweat jacket. The man outside of the bar is seen on surveillance in a blue and gray sweat jacket and heads in the direction of the scene of the crime, according to the defense. No surveillance footage is available of the crime itself happening, only photos of the crime scene and the street closer to the tavern. 

Amissah claimed that because of this other potential suspect and conflicting testimonies the prosecution will fail to prove Beasley guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 

They added that the witnesses did not see the actual crime occur,

Prosecutors called on Conte’s friend, who was there at the time of the incident. He claimed it was a fun night where everyone was having a good time and nothing bad had occurred in the bar. 

The witness gave an in-court identification of Beasley as the shooter, stating he had seen him prior to the crime occurring within the bar and he had seen him walk around the car and open fire. 

Minutes prior the witness said he noticed that Beasley had been fumbling with his pocket while walking around the street. After seeing the shots being fired, the witness and his friend fled the scene. 

The witness testified he was able to identify one of the men with Beasley prior to the crime. Through Facebook, the witness and law enforcement were able to find a photo of this individual and Beasley which allegedly connected Beasley to the crime. 

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) conducted a photo array where the witness was asked to point out the individual who committed the crime. The witness testified that when he picked he stated, “my gut says that is him.” 

Fullwood-Singh argued the witness changed his testimony since the grand jury. According to Fullwood-Singh, the witness now claims he saw the gunshots, but previously testified he had left the area before shots were fired. 

A MPD officer who responded noticed the vehicle where the victims had been shot, one individual was laying partly outside of the vehicle and the other was moving away from the vehicle.

This officer, along with a team, conducted witness interviews and obtained surveillance footage in order to catch a suspect. This officer also conducted the photo array to identify Beasley. 

The trial is set to resume on Nov. 7.