A homicide defendant’s attorneys raised concerns before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 1 about the prosecution’s usage of his prior statements and work as a violence interrupter.
Cotey Wynn, 45, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a mass shooting at CRU Lounge on the 1300 block of H Street, NE on Sept. 23, 2024 injuring three and killed one. Blake Bozeman, 31, sustained two gunshot wounds to his chest, and died on Sept. 24, 2024.
Wynn’s attorney, Brian McDaniel, raised concern the prosecution will use Wynn’s previous homicide cases against him. According to court records, in 2020, Wynn was charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 53-year-old Eric Wright. However, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found no probable cause on Feb. 8, 2021.
The prosecution said they intend to use a statement reportedly made by Wynn at CRU. According to the prosecution, Wynn told someone at CRU “I beat a murder,” allegedly referencing the ruling by Judge Dayson in 2021.
Additionally, McDaniel said the defense is concerned the prosecution will use Wynn’s history working as a violence interrupter against him. A violence interrupter is an outreach worker, responsible for de-escalating incidents and serving as mentors to high-risk members of the community.
Reportedly, there were recovered text messages in evidence between Wynn and co-defendant Frank Johnson, 44, thanking Wynn for “putting him on.”
Judge Brandt told the defense that they cannot prevent the prosecution from using any relevant evidence in their case. However, she acknowledged the prosecution using the statement may be problematic as it deals with an unrelated case. She warned the prosecution not to use any evidence that falls into the “other case’s bucket.”
The judge told the defense to file a motion, detailing their arguments against the usage of statements at trial.
Parties are slated to reconvene May 5.
