Prosecution’s Images of Crime Place Jurors at Scene in Double Homicide Trial

By Alesar Harfoush [former] - April 26, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On April 25, three expert witnesses testified regarding their involvement in the investigation of the scene  where Delonte Wilson and Antone Brown were killed.

Alphonso Walker, 45, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of first degree murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit a robbery, six counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, two counts of attempt to commit robbery and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction  in connection to the death of Wilson, 23, and Brown, 44, near the 400 block of 61st Street, NE on April 25, 2018.

During the testimony of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, a forensic scientist, and a forensic investigator, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt warned both the jury and the audience about sensitive photos. 

“Keep your reaction silent,” said Judge Brandt to the audience.

The MPD officer testified to arriving in the neighborhood without knowing exactly where the shooting happened. He stated that while he and two other officers searched for the house, a random man told them what house to go to. 

The officer also stated that he was informed of a possible suspect in the abandoned house next door, but the house was not searched because it was not accessible. 

Defense attorney Prescott Loveland asked if police eventually searched the abandoned house. The officer said they did not. 

Loveland also asked him if the person who told them where the shooting happened was ever investigated.

After being asked by the prosecution to clarify, the officer stated that his first priority was to find and save victims’ lives and not investigate people. 

A forensic scientist who responded to the crime scene identified the victims’ pictures taken by her. She also identified three different shell casings, several DNA swabs and fingerprints she collected from inside the house.  

Wilson’s sister bursted into tears after a witness described Wilson’s head as being surrounded by a pool of blood.

During cross-examination, Loveland questioned witnesses about items that were not collected or tested. 

He asked a witness to tell the jury about the brand and size of the shell casing she recovered. 

Witnesses stated that two of the shell casings were 9mm but two different brands, and the third one was not a 9mm.  

The prosecution questioned a crime scene investigator about where gunshot wounds were found on the recovered bodies. 

The investigator told the jury while pointing at pictures that both Wilson and Brown were shot in the head. 

After the defense objected to too many sensitive pictures, Judge Brandt told parties that pictures are gruesome in this case, however, “that does not mean you get to parade every sensitive picture.” She ordered the prosecution to leave out a few pictures.

Parties bickered over a witness’ questioning causing Judge Brandt to send the jury home early. 

“This courtroom is not a kindergarten, when both sides start scraping with each other to the point where they can’t hear what the court is saying the court stops listening”, said Judge Brandt to both parties after they continued to talk over each other.

She then asked them to notify her of possible future arguments. “Trying a case by ambush is not my style,” she stated. 

The trial is scheduled to resume on April 26.