Tempers Flare Between Opposing Lawyers After Murder Mistrial

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt admonished argumentative attorneys and obstreperous defendants after a jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict in a homicide case on May 7.

Demonte Gibson, 27, and Asani Forte, 27, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property for their alleged involvement in the murder of Delonte King, 34, on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW.

Following eight days of deliberation, Gibson was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, but the jury was unable to reach a verdict for the other charges. Consequently, Judge Brandt declared a mistrial.

Prior to the verdict, Judge Brandt told Gibson and Forte “let [their decision] wash over you,” adding the Marshals would remove them ,“if you wanna choose this point in time to act a fool in front of the jury.” The judge was responding to the defendants’ actions for the last few days.

As Judge Brandt thanked the jury in their deliberation room, the prosecutor and one of Gibson’s defense attorneys got into a heated argument. Although the gallery was unable to hear the nature of the dispute, Judge Brandt’s law clerk advised the parties they would have to be separated if they kept arguing. At that point US Marshals intervened, telling them to stop.

Judge Brandt admonished the parties when she returned, specifically telling the prosecutor “sometimes you’re just downright rude… you wear it like a badge of honor, that is not a good look.”

Judge Brandt added the parties had been acting “immature, uncivil, and rude” throughout the trial.

“I don’t want any rash decisions made today,” Judge Brandt told parties, stating they would reconvene another day to decide next steps

Parties are slated to reconvene June 6.