Parties disputed whether a shooting occurred in self-defense during closing arguments in trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 10.
Derrick Gladden, 55, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in an April 15, 2024 non-fatal shooting on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE. One victim sustained a gunshot wound.
In his closing argument, defense attorney Alvin Thomas said Gladden acted in self-defense. Thomas described the incident as a conversation that quickly turned to a shooting after Gladden was allegedly punched by the victim and saw him brandish a knife.
In contrast, the prosecution said that Gladden’s testimony and claim of self-defense were part of a “concocted” story formulated in response to witness statements and evidence presented against him.
“You don’t get to just come in here and make up a story about self-defense,” the prosecution said.
“You know what happened on April 15, 2024 and you know it’s not what [Gladden] told you happened,” prosecutors told the jury.
Prosecutors explained that no knife was recovered from the crime scene nor the victim, referencing body-worn camera footage that showed a responding Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer searching the victim’s pockets.
“If anyone had a right to claim self-defense, it was the victim,” the prosecution added.
According to the prosecution, the incident between the two men arose from a dispute after the victim loaned Gladden a car. Gladden, who knew the victim for many years, paid for tires and a battery during his possession of the car. A witness previously testified that at the time of the incident, Gladden approached the victim and said that he “better give me that money.”
Thomas questioned prosecutors’ narrative, saying it proved that Gladden didn’t have intent to kill the victim.
“A dead man can’t pay,” Thomas said.
The defense also submitted a motion for judgement of acquittal, denied by Judge Brandt.
Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.
