Shooting Defendant Claims Self-Defense in Trial

By Ivanna Ceballos - September 23, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

A shooting defendant claimed he acted in self-defense before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur’s courtroom on Sept. 19.

Jerry Tyree, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of liquid PCP, and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged role in a Nov. 29, 2023, shooting on the 5900 block of Foote Street, NE. A transgender woman sustained injuries to her penis and groin during the incident.

Sara Kopecki, Tyree’s defense attorney, called on the defendant to testify about his recollection of the incident. 

Tyree testified that after leaving a liquor store near his home, he encountered an individual he believed to be a woman who flagged him down. According to Tyree, the two agreed to exchange money for a sexual act, after which they proceeded to the crime scene. Inside an apartment building, Tyree said, the individual performed oral sex while placing her hand in his pocket and taking approximately 80 dollars.

Tyree said that the individual produced a firearm when he demanded his money back. He testified that in fearing for his life, he attempted to disarm her, and in the struggle, the gun discharged. Tyree emphasized that he was not trying to fire the weapon but only meant to twist it out of her hand. He explained that after the gun went off, he took the firearm and fled.

During his testimony, Tyree became emotional when asked why he hadn’t reported the incident to the police. He spoke of his long-standing distrust of law enforcement, recounting a previous incident in which he was allegedly robbed and falsely imprisoned by police officers.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 23.