Prosecution Says Slang Texts Describe Failed Shooting in Murder, Conspiracy Pattern

By Carmen Quinteros - May 9, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Prosecutors introduced text messages allegedly between a defendant and an associate regarding a “hit” connected to three co-defendants in a homicide and conspiracy trial . The evidence was presented before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 8.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street, NW. The shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.  

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, 2020; Feb. 24, 2020 and a second shooting on March 1, 2020. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy of the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

The prosecution says that the three co-defendants are responsible for the Feb. 22, 2020 shooting on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW, which was aimed at two individuals, but none sustained injuries.

Previous testimony alleges Steele’s rap name as “Gordo” and “fullygordo” as one of his usernames. 

An investigator from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was brought in to explain slang found in text messages allegedly connected to the defendants and the shooting.

The text thread dated Feb. 22, 2020, was between the owner of the phone, allegedly Jackson, and a contact named “Fully,” who prosecutors say is Steele. 

“Me and racks just rl [real life] hit at some [n-word] up Kennedy” the owner of the phone stated. “We just hit somebody car too” the individual added. 

According to the witness, “Kennedy” would be referring to Kennedy Street, a couple blocks from the shooting address.

Fully responded “Yall aint hit nobody.” The witness affirmed “hit” refers to a shooting in this specific context. 

“Nah dem [them] b***h as[s] [n-word] ran in da house,” the owner stated, following with, “We should’ve ran in there.”

The two uninjured victims of this non-fatal shooting have previously testified to running into the house upon hearing gunshots.

Parties are slated to return May 13.