Prosecution Suggests Defendant Feigns Illness in Homicide Case

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The prosecution’s rebuttal in a homicide case was delayed due to a co-defendant’s reported illness in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 9.

Demonte Gibson, 27, and Asani Forte, 27, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property for their alleged involvement in the murder of 34-year-old Delonte King on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. Gibson is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Judge Brandt announced that Forte arrived at court in the morning but was feeling ill, so he was transferred back to the DC jail to be seen by a medical team. The parties decided it was best to postpone the trial by a day so the jurors would not be waiting for Forte’s return to court.

One of the prosecuting attorneys said the timing of the claim of illness was suspicious. When pressed further, the attorney did not give a reason on why.

Forte’s defense attorney, Russel Hairston, said the prosecuting attorney was claiming that Gibson or a member of the defense encouraged Forte to claim illness. Gibson’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Paige White called the claim “disgusting.”

Judge Brandt told the lawyers to “go back to your respective lanes and put a smile on.” She also stated that defendants get sick all of the time, which is not out of the ordinary.

Gibson’s other defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, put on the record that Gibson was offended by the claim that he in any way fabricated the delay in court and that what a prosecutor said was “offensive and inappropriate.”

Gardner argued that one of the witnesses the prosecution plans on calling has no relevant information in this case. However, the judge argued it is up to the jury to decide what is or isn’t relevant information.

The prosecution plans on calling four rebuttal witnesses

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 10.