Prosecution Delivers Closing Arguments in Murder Trial

By Beatriz Canals [former] - November 16, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

The prosecution delivered closing arguments on Nov. 16 after an 8-week murder trial that included over 80 witnesses. 

Derek Turner, 31, and co-defendant Ronnika Jennings, 44, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and conspiracy in connection to the shooting of 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter on March 5, 2017, on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE. 

Jennings is also charged with assault with intent to kill and several counts of accessory of murder after the fact. 

The third defendant, 33-year-old Duan Hill, is charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice.

Turner is also charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Devin Hall on Jan. 7, 2017, on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE. 

During Wednesday’s trial, the prosecution delivered their closing arguments. 

“Evidence of this trial has proved that Mr. Turner and Ms. Jennings entered into a conspiracy to assault, kill, and destroy the property of people in Trenton Park,” the prosecution said.  

The prosecution drew a “roadmap” for the jury, connecting the various shootings and murders to the text messages and phone calls exchanged by the co-defendants. 

The prosecution began by presenting ShotSpotter audio recordings of the gunshots in various shootings. 

“Did you hear those shots? Mr. Hall heard them right before being killed,” said the prosecutor. 

The prosecution said that Turner’s 10mm glock “echoes throughout all of these acts of violence.” In other words, they said that Turner used the same 10mm glock in the various shootings and two murders. 

Additionally, the prosecution discussed the McPhatter shooting, displaying a still image of a school playground that captured a white car fleeing the scene of the shooting. The prosecution identified this as Turner’s white Lexus. 

Afterwards, the prosecutor argued that the defendants were guilty of a violent crime conspiracy and an obstruction conspiracy. 

Highlighting how Turner called Jennings after each shooting and murder occurred, the prosecution focused on a 24 minute phone call between Turner and Jennings that occurred after the police seized Turner’s white Lexus. 

The prosecutors argued that Turner expressed concern about whether or not the police would find the 10mm glock he had stored in the car. 

Jennings queried Turner and his associates through WALES NCIC and Cobalt, which are confidential Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) databases, the prosecutor said. 

“Jennings was handing out information,” he said. “Turner was able to use to facilitate his crimes of violence.”

In addition, the prosecution argued that Hill assisted Turner’s former girlfriend, so she could provide a statement to Turner’s attorney and accept responsibility for his firearm charges. 

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa J. Demeo set the trial to continue with closing arguments from the defense on Nov. 17.