Prosecution Suggests Revenge Was Motive in Foster Sister's Murder

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A friend’s murder may have triggered a revenge killing according to evidence in a murder case argued before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 28.

Michael Wells, 53, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, tampering with physical evidence, and arson. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Makia Mosby on Nov. 24, 2005, on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE.

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told Hannah Claudio, one of Wells’ attorneys, that a witness disclosed that Wells is Mosby’s foster brother. The detective said the witness heard Wells’ voice in the background of a phone call with Mosby on the day of the incident. The witness believed the case was connected to the murder of Michael Carter.

During the prosecution’s cross examination, the detective said that Wells and Carter were friends and that Wells might have killed Mosby after she allegedly confessed to murdering Carter. According to the detective, Mosby and Carter were killed in the same fashion.

The detective testified that a second witness claimed Wells confessed to Mosby’s murder. This witness also believed that the case was related to another homicide case and claimed Mosby was “in” on the other case.

Molly Bunke, another attorney for Wells, challenged the witnesses’ reliability saying Wells was incarcerated when the witness claimed the confession occurred in the community.

The detective said a third witness was allegedly at the apartment on the day of the incident and told MPD that Mosby was there, arguing with a man.

Bunke said the witness statements were uncorroborated and plagued by inconsistencies.

She argued Wells should be released pending trial because the prosecution allowed him to remain in the community for over a decade before bringing charges against him, despite already knowing most of the information in the case. According to Bunke, the prosecution’s inaction demonstrated Wells didn’t pose a risk to the community.

Arguments over Wells’ detention will continue at the next hearing, which is scheduled for April 2.

Prosecution Suggests Revenge Was Motive in Foster Sister’s Murder