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By
Kelsey Ball
- November 18, 2024
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Opposing Willie Byrd’s claim of self defense, the prosecution said Byrd, “knew what he was doing and had no fear” in their closing argument before D.C. Superior Court Judge O’Keefe on Nov. 14
Byrd, 61, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing. The victim required multiple surgeries and intensive care as a result. The incident occurred on Feb. 28, 2023, at the intersection of D Street, SW, and 2nd Street, SW.
The prosecution called a witness who was present at the scene of the alleged stabbing immediately before it occurred. She described the victim as being “out of his element” while trying to buy drugs in that particular neighborhood, which made him “vulnerable”.
The witness said the defendant asked her to help him “deceive” the victim into giving them money. She said she left the scene before anyone was harmed and never saw a weapon.
The defense presented a motion for a judgment of acquittal, arguing the prosecution had not presented enough evidence to prove Byrd’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Judge O’Keefe denied the motion, saying the jury could decide if the evidence was strong enough to convict.
The prosecution used CCTV footage to show Byrd’s alleged involvement in the stabbing and his expressed intent to kill. The defense used the footage as evidence the stabbing was an effort of self-defense.
Byrd’s attorney, Camille Wagner, argued a disparity in interpretation the evidence created grounds for reasonable doubt and said the prosecution had not met its burden of proof.
The prosecution highlighted the intensity of the injuries caused, arguing the sheer force used in the stabbing was enough to demonstrate intent to kill. They claimed Byrd had chances to retreat but instead “lingered” to start the physical altercation and hid the knife behind his back before brandishing it.
The defense emphasized moments in the CCTV footage where Byrd is seen backing up or putting his hand up and used them to support their self-defense argument. They said, if Byrd had the intent to kill, he would not have left the scene when the victim was still up and moving.
The trial is set to reconvene on Nov. 18.