Seven Witnesses Testify at Murder Trial

By Lizzie Brennan [former] , Carlin Fisher [former] - July 16, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Seven witnesses took the stand during July 15 proceedings in a murder trial, including the medical examiner who performed the victim’s autopsy.

Nyekemia Everett, 35, and Malik Hewitt, 41, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 37-year-old Christopher Heard on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE, on April 27, 2017.

The prosecution alleges that the two defendants plotted to rob and kill Heard, who was selling the drug PCP to make money after having recently been released from jail. The medical examiner testified that traces of PCP were found in Heard’s system, but PCP was not listed as a cause of death. 

According to the medical examiner, gunshot wounds to the chest and leg caused Heard’s death.

The prosecution alleges that Everett shot Heard, while Hewitt acted as the getaway driver. The two’s cell phone and social media records were used as evidence in the case.

A retired special agent for the U.S. Attorney’s Office testified about data extraction reports he had conducted for iPhones belonging to Everett, Hewitt and the witness who says she was with the defendants when Heard was shot. His reports showed that multiple texts and calls between the three around the time of Heard’s death were deleted. 

Records custodians for Facebook and Google were called to confirm the registration of Instagram and Gmail accounts belonging to the defendants and the witness.

A witness who said she had a romantic relationship with Everett in 2016 and 2017 also testified. After Everett was arrested, she visited him in jail several times. She said she thought he was arrested and put in jail as a result of a fight with a police officer, not Heard’s death. 

A former forensic scientist for the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) and a technologist for Bode Technology, a DNA testing lab, also took the stand. 

The jury trial will continue on July 16.

Hewitt is also charged with possession of a firearm during an act of violence, felony murder while armed and conspiracy in this case. Everett is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, fleeing a law enforcement officer, attempt to commit robbery while armed, conspiracy and obstructing justice.