Prosecutors Show Emotional Videos of Fatal Shooting Aftermath

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The prosecution introduced emotional footage of the aftermath of a fatal-shooting from Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers’ body-worn cameras during a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on May 6.

Alonzo Brown, 28, and Naquel Henderson, 27, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the shooting that killed 21-year-old Michael Taylor and injured two additional victims on Jan. 12, 2019 on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

Brown and Henderson are two of five men charged with Taylor’s death. Stephon Evans, 24, and Tavist Alston, 31, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed. Carlos Turner, 27, is scheduled for sentencing May 16.

According to Steven Kiersh, Brown’s attorney, Turner accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder. However, D.C. Witness has been unable to confirm the terms, as they are under seal.

During opening statements, prosecutors argued Brown and Henderson committed the shooting as retaliation for their friend’s death, the day after his funeral. According to court documents, the defendants were close friends with 19-year-old Shamar Marbury who was fatally shot on Jan. 1, 2019 on the 4200 block of Barnaby Road, SE.

Prosecutors told the jury they will introduce surveillance videos during the trial that allegedly captured the defendants entering and exiting the building when the shooting occurred. “Eight seconds, that’s all it took,” said the prosecution.

They also played footage from the officers’ body-worn cameras that showed the aftermath of the shooting, including one officer attempting to resussitate Taylor with chest compressions. In the videos, a woman is heard hysterically shouting “Please God,” repeatedly.

The prosecution also informed the jury that Turner agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and will testify during the trial.

During defense opening arguments, Kiersh asked the jury to keep an open mind, decide the case on the facts, and consider potential bias in Turner’s testimony. Kiersh alleged that Turner received a plea deal with a charge carrying a lower sentence in exchange for fabricating a story that incriminated Brown. Kiersh said Turner received an “incredible bargain, but he’s gotta pay up.”

Henderson’s attorney, Julie Swaney, also urged the jury to doubt Turner’s testimony because it will be “rumors, guesses, and lies” about her client. Swaney noted it is important for the jury to keep the evidence against the co-defendants separate.

Following opening statements, prosecutors called two MPD officers who responded to the crime scene. One officer described it as chaotic with debris, metal fragments, and evidence of bullet damage on the bottom of the stairs.

The prosecution also called an eyewitness who testified that there were four-to-five young black males in the hallway of the apartment complex when he arrived. He said he went into his girlfriend’s apartment, heard 15-to-20 loud gunshots in the building, and called 911. The witness testified that he could not identify any of the men.

The trial is scheduled to resume on May 7.