Suspect’s Phone Records Reveal Information on a Murder Victim, Says Prosecutor

By McKenna Bryant , Anthoine Godin - April 5, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Juveniles | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On April 4, a digital analyst continued his testimony before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, introducing new prosecution evidence relating to phone records of an alleged co-conspirator in a 2020 homicide case.

Koran Jackson, 23, Tyiion Kyree Freeman, 24, and Stephen Nelson, 33, are three of five individuals charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, assault with the intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020 on the 600 block of S Street, NW. The shooting also left a second juvenile victim located in the vicinity suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the right leg.  

The case also involves alleged co-conspirators Reginald Steele, 24, and Aaron Brown, 27.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, Feb. 24, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy of the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide. 

The analyst to resumed his testimony about the alleged content of Steele’s phone, which included photos, videos, common locations, and web browsing history.

According to the records, Steele searched the terms “13-year-old shot shaw”, “13-year-old killed 600 S Street NW shooting”, “9th and Rhode Island shootant”, and “Malachi” on March 8, 2020.

Prosecutors argued the searches proved Steele’s knowledge and involvement in the attack. 

In other testimony, Jackson’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, asked a DNA analyst about her previous conclusions regarding DNA tests of evidence in the case.

The analyst testified there was “very strong support” that DNA found on a pair of black and green Nike shoes belonged to Jackson. The prosecution alleges this pair of shoes was worn by Jackson on the day of the crime.

Under cross examination, the witness agreed that the DNA of two other individuals allegedly involved in the homicide also had closely matched DNA, one of which qualified as very strong support for inclusion as a contributor. The witness also admitted that she could not with confidence testify how long DNA had been present in the shoes or where the evidence was found.

Due to time constraints the witness was unable to finish her testimony and will return at a later date. 

Parties are slated to return April 9.