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By
Sophia Cooper
- March 19, 2025
Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Shooting
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Suspects
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The prosecution described the victim in a non-fatal shooting trial as, “A sitting duck [the defendant] used as target practice” during closing arguments before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on March 18.
Ni’Jhae Curry, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business, and possession of a prohibited weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Oct. 17, 2023, on the 900 block of Sycamore Drive, SE. The victim suffered from small lacerations to her face but no gunshot injuries.
During closing arguments, Curry’s defense attorney, Jonathan Love, argued that Curry fired in self defense. Love claimed the victim told Curry she was getting her gun and coming back to kill her, subsequently, Curry returned with a firearm because she believed the victim would already have one. Love maintained that Curry shot up instead of at the victim because she had, “Good self-defense presence of mind.”
The prosecution rebutted “This is not a case of self defense…[Curry] started this, escalated this, and shot.” They pointed to a 911 call from the victim and argued “Why would [victim’s name] be on the phone with 911 if she was planning on coming back and killing the defendant.” They claimed the call is proof Curry did not act in self defense because the victim was the one who called the police, not Curry.
Love asserted that “[Victim’s name] tried to dismiss, deflect, and minimize her involvement.” He claimed the victim was angry at Curry because a previous encounter with Curry at work caused the victim’s unemployment.
Prosecutors said “The victim had put the beef behind her” and maintained that Curry acted out of anger not fear and “anger doesn’t justify self defense.”
Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.