Prosecution Shows Jury Shooting-Related Evidence Found in Defendant’s Car

By Natalie Goodman [former] - September 28, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

During a Sept. 27 jury trial, the prosecution presented several critical pieces of evidence found in the defendant’s car, including a gun and magazine cartridge, a fabric mask, and target shooting posters filled with bullets.

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 with the shooting of 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter on March 5, 2017, on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE. Jennings is accused of sharing criminal information with Turner during her time working as a clerk for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). 

The third co-defendant Duan Hill, 33, 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.

One witness, a forensic scientist from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), was questioned about her work on the McPhatter crime scene on March 8, 2017.

The scientist said she recovered 23 cartridge casings and 14 projectile fragments from the scene, including one which had passed through the outside window into the lobby. 

She also reportedly recovered ballistic fragments from two vehicles on the scene, both of which showed several bullet holes in their side doors and windows.

Although Turner refused to allow the scientist to enter his white Lexus, which was also on the scene, his and the other vehicles were towed back to the lab for processing.

There, the forensic scientist examined the bullet fragments in each car and found different brands of bullets and two different calibers. The scientist inferred that five different firearms may have been used in the shootings. 

Next, the prosecution invited a different forensic scientist from DFS, who later processed Turner’s Lexus twice at the lab. Without access to Turner’s car keys, the scientist forced open the locked glove compartment, revealing a pistol with a loaded magazine as well as a black fabric mask found inside the back pocket of his driver’s seat.

The prosecution showed each physical item to the jury. 

In Turner’s trunk, the forensic scientist also found several posters, intended for shooting practice of the human upper body. The prosecution showed each poster to the jury, displaying the numerous apparent bullet holes scattered throughout each. 

Jennings is specifically accused of sharing criminal intelligence with Turner during her time working as a clerk for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

The trial is scheduled to continue on Oct. 4.

Read more about this case, here.