Shooting Suspect Says He was Trying to Help His Friend

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During a continuing trial on Nov. 18, it was confirmed no firearms or bullets were found on the spot where a non-fatal shooting victim suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

Demonte Gibson, 26, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, NW on Dec 7, 2021. The shooting was non-fatal.

The prosecution called their first witness who provided a 911 call recording on the day and at the address of the incident. The caller stated, “I’ve been shot in the leg!”

A second witness testified the victim received trauma surgery at Howard University Hospital. He sustained a gunshot wound to the upper thigh where the projectile exited.

The lead detective detailed the results of a search warrant for Gibson’s apartment, where he allegedly recovered a gun container and a magazine.

The detective later attempted to interview the victim at the hospital but was unsuccessful.

The witness was able to interview Gibson who stated on video he had “been around this man [the victim] since I was two years old…I was trying to help my friend.” Gibson stated he heard shots and the victim scream, saying someone was trying to rob him. 

During cross-examination, it was revealed that no guns were recovered on the scene on the date of the incident. Defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, that said victim was actually found on the fourth floor of the apartment building, contradicting earlier testimony.

No ballistic evidence was collected, and even though the detective testified that during his investigation officers looked thoroughly throughout Gibson’s apartment, no guns were found.

Gibson was not arrested until Sep 29, 2022, about 11 months after the incident, when Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers searched his apartment again.

The witness is scheduled to finish his testimony on Nov. 19 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.