Prosecutors Dismiss Murder Defendant’s Case 

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DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan granted the prosecution’s request to dismiss a homicide case on June 6. 

Desmond Gaskin, 39, was charged with second-degree murder while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, first-degree theft, tampering with physical evidence, and destruction of property less than $1,000. These charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in the murder of 40-year-old William Whittington Jr. that took place on July 19, 2022 on the 400 block of Burbank Street, SE.

According to court documents, Whittington was found dead in a pool of blood on the street in close proximity to the rear driver’s side of a vehicle when police arrived at the scene. An autopsy showed that Whittington died from a single gunshot wound to the head.

Gaskin was scheduled for a motion hearing on June 6, however the prosecution filed a motion to dismiss Gaskin’s case without prejudice, meaning it could be refiled later.

Judge Ryan dismissed all of the charges that same afternoon.

No further dates were set.