Footage used in the investigation of a fatal shooting was shown before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Oct. 6 and arguments were presented attempting to link murder co-defendants to a conspiracy.
Reginald Steele, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, ten counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, and five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm.
The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in four shootings, including the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, at the 600 block of S Street, NW, on March 1, 2020. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.
Steele was also allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting on March 1, 2020 at the unit block of Channing Street, NE, and a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 22, 2020 at the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW. No individuals sustained injuries.
Additionally, Steele faces charges for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 24, 2020 at the 1700 block of Ninth Street, NW. Three individuals sustained injuries during the incident.
The lead detective in the case explained the accumulated video evidence used to identify the vehicle of interest in the case, a silver Kia Soul. Video footage from around the city was used to locate the vehicle, as well as data from Getaround, a car sharing company holding the Kia’s registration.
The vehicle was subsequently identified through its Maryland plates from a witness behind the Kia and the Getaround logo that was visible on the rear passenger side of the car, seen on camera at an intersection. The descriptions matched the car that was later found on Lamont Street, NW, according to the detective.
The car was likely found on the scene of both March 1 shootings at the time of the incidents, confirmed by GPS, a witness driving behind the Kia, and camera footage.
Cameras on Lamont Street, NW, where the vehicle was found, also captured four individuals leaving the car and walking across the street. One left the group, but three others are seen in footage from a restaurant.
The detective’s testimony will continue.
A witness working with the digital evidence unit with the Department of Forensic Science (DFS) at the time of the incident also provided evidence regarding one of the cell phones that belonged to Aaron Brown, 29, a previous co-defendant. The contacts and call history established a link between Brown and “Gordo”, allegedly a nickname for Steele.
In the absence of the jury, prosecutors and the defense made arguments regarding the admissibility of jail calls between Steele and co-defendants as well as his father.
Prosecutors argued that their purpose for admitting the calls is for identification and to show communication between co-defendants.
Megan Allburn, Steele’s attorney, asserted that in order for a statement of identification to be admissible the person making the identification has to be available to testify which they are not. Judge Brandt agreed with this assertion.
The prosecution stated that they are not offering a statement of identification, but knowledge that the individuals know each other. Nicknames mentioned in the calls also align with Instagram handles, according to prosecutors.
Allburn said business records can show when a call was placed and what time, however, hearsay, or unsubstantiated evidence is not admissible;
Judge Brandt noted that for some of the individuals named in this trial, their nicknames have already been connected to them so further evidence regarding that connection is not required.
Additionally, prosecutors wanted to admit into evidence a call between Steele and his father. Allburn requested that statements made by Steele’s father be removed, however prosecutors argued that Steele’s father was responding to a question.
Judge Brandt concluded that no further confirmation of the search is needed given that officers have already testified to it.
The court determined the call would not be admitted.
Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 7.
