Prosecutors Detail Video Evidence in Murder Conspiracy Trial

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On March 7, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony during a conspiracy trial from two witnesses who testified that their home surveillance footage recorded multiple gunshots in a homicide.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020 on the 600 block of S Street, NW. The shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from a gunshot wound to the right leg.

The defendants are also alleged to have been involved in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 1, 2020, on the 2400 block of North Capitol Street, NE, moments after Lukes’ shooting.

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27, whose cases were severed and will be tried at a later date.

The prosecution called a prior resident from the 2400 block of North Capitol Street, NE, to authenticate footage from his home security camera.

On March 1, 2020, at 2:18 p.m., footage shows an individual and a silver vehicle in an alley on Channing Street, NE. Multiple gunshots are heard before the silver car is seen speeding away.

From the homeowner’s account, “It looks like there’s someone in the video with their hand up and it looks like they’re exchanging gunfire.” The witness also heard a voice saying, “come on son.”

During cross examination, Jackson’s defense attorney Brian McDaniel asked the witness to confirm whether or not he had been able to see the person in the alley. He stated that no one could be identified or seen from the video.

Another individual who lived in the neighborhood at the time, testified that she heard multiple gunshots in the area, but was unable to see anything. When asked why she couldn’t see anything happen, she stated she “moved away from the window,” due to fear and concern.

The prosecution played footage from the witness’ home security camera which recorded four gunshots and a vehicle speeding away. She recalled hearing urgent shouts then called 911

Prosecutors also called two representatives from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS), who testified to their involvement in the processing of the suspect vehicle in the case, Kia Soul, which was recovered on March 4, 2020, on the 500 block of Lamont Street, NW.

The images of the recovered vehicle showed a flat tire on the front driver’s side, bullet holes on the rear driver’s side door and back fender, collision damage to the hatchback, blue tape on the right side mirror, and two parking tickets on the windshield, due to parking in a handicapped spot.

The testimony corroborated a witness who testified he had seen several men leave the Kia Soul in a handicapped parking spot in his neighborhood, with significant damage.

The prosecution called a second DFS crime scene analyst whose photographs showed items recovered from the car which included a pair of blue jeans, empty drink containers, and a parking pass from Feb. 27, 2020 at 10:52 a.m.

He also swabbed numerous items left in the car as well as surfaces in the vehicle for DNA samples.

Parties are slated to return March 11.

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