Prosecutors Present Weapons Evidence to Build Conspiracy Theory in Child's Murder

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

Prosecutors presented evidence on Aug. 7 of an alleged co-conspirator’s prior arrest to show to what they describe as “storing and stockpiling” of weapons before and after a mass shooting. The case is being argued before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Antonio Murchison, 31, and Mark Price, 29, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting on July 16, 2018, on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood, which claimed the life of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson and injured four other individuals.

A third co-defendant, Quanisha Ramsuer, 31, is charged with obstruction of justice in connection to the homicide.

Six other defendants were convicted in 2023 for multiple crimes stemming from the high-profile case and received prison terms ranging from six to 68 years.

During the hearing, the prosecution revealed photographs of a person identified as Antonio Murchison as he was arrested for an unrelated incident as evidence of an “active conspiracy” to possess a firearm among members of a group.

The arrest was not near the Wellington Park or Clay Terrace area where the murder took place, “or with anyone in conspiracy” according to Murchison’s defense counsel Michael Bruckheim.

However, prosecutors argued it shows suspects were already in possession of firearms, and were storing and stockpiling them before and after the mass shooting.

Prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who arrived when Murchison was arrested on Aug. 28, 2018 and allegedly recovered a firearm from him containing six live rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. The prosecutors showed the officer’s body-worn camera footage and arrest photos of Murchison, and the officer was able to identify Murchison in court.

Murchison was arrested in June of 2019 in connection to the mass shooting.

Bruckheim described the evidence as “far more prejudicial than probative,” but Judge Okun allowed it.

The prosecutor also showed pictures and body-worn camera footage to support the notion Muchison possessed a firearm and thus was “prepared” for an attack.

The prosecution also discussed a potential issue with a witness represented by the Public Defender Service (PDS) who is one of the surviving victims. Price wants the individual to testify but he has asserted his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent avoiding potential self-incrimination.

After speaking with the witness’ attorney, Kristen Williams, Judge Okun said that there is “a potential Fifth Amendment privilege if [the witness] testifies” and ruled that “Price will be precluded from calling this witness at the trial.”

Price and the individual grew up together, according to Bruckheim.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Aug. 8.

Prosecutors Present Weapons Evidence to Build Conspiracy Theory in Child’s Murder