Testimony About ‘Rap Beef’ as Possible Motive for Murder

By Anthoine Godin , McKenna Bryant - April 10, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Juveniles | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On April 9, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony from a witness familiar with two co-conspirators, and evidence from forensic DNA technicians who explained their role in analyzing evidence in connection to 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 by the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in Lukes’ homicide.

The prosecution brought in an individual who grew up with Steele and Freeman to testify about common slang used in the DC area.

According to the prosecution’s opening statement, the series of shootings allegedly committed by the defendants was an act of retaliation born from “rap beef”. The prosecution believes the feud of two groups from different DC neighborhoods over who was the true “Northwest Goon” rapper culminated in the death of rapper, Tahlil Byrd, 19

He was the victim of a fatal shooting on the 600 block of S Street, NW, Sept. 9, 2019. The prosecution alleges that the defendants were friends of Byrd and his family, and that their alleged shooting spree was an act of retaliation following Byrd’s killing.  

The witness referred to Byrd as “the best rapper of us” as she told the prosecution that she had been friends with Byrd since childhood. 

When the witness was asked about the feuds, she classified the competition between the neighborhoods as “rap entertainment.” When prosecution asked if the feud could be classified as beef, the witness called it “goofy sh*t.”

When asked if this “goofy stuff” could escalate, the witness stated bluntly that “If shots get fired, it’s what it is.”

In addition to being friends with Byrd, the witness testified that she knew Steele and that the three would hang out occasionally. The prosecution reaffirmed this by showing a photo of Steele which the witness had previously identified as “Gordo,” which means fat in Spanish and is alleged to be Steele’s rap name.”  

Later in cross examination, Freeman’s defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, asked how Byrd’s death impacted the witness and her community. While testifying that she had “mixed emotions” when Byrd died, the witness stated that Byrd was ultimately “ a good guy.” 

The witness also admitted to knowing Freeman, identifying him as the father of her god-sister’s child. In conjunction with the witness’ testimony, prosecution presented another photo of Freeman with the witness’ written identification below it. 

The witness agreed that the friendship of Freeman and Byrd resembled brothers. 

When the prosecution asked the witness if Freeman was “affiliated” with any street group, the witness dismissed the term exclaiming that using words like “affiliated” or “claims” suggests “gang vibes”. 

The witness said neighborhoods are simply “where you grew up at”.  When the prosecution asked about the witness’ neighborhood she stated “ain’t nothing wrong with my neighborhood”. 

The prosecution recalled a lead forensic DNA analyst to complete cross-examination regarding her results from testing items of evidence, and comparing them to DNA samples of Freeman, Steele, Jackson, Brown, and two other unidentified individuals.

During cross-examination with Andrew Ain, Freeman’s defense attorney, the lead analyst stated that her report showed that Freeman’s DNA was likely excluded from the items of evidence.

“Either he was visually excluded or not contributing to the profiles provided,” the witness said.

During cross-examination with Lisbeth Sapirstein, Nelson’s defense attorney, the witness confirmed that a reference DNA swab from Nelson was never sent for analysis in connection to the case.

The prosecution proceeded to call 10 DNA technologists from the same laboratory to authenticate the handling of evidence.

Each witness maintained that they followed quality control procedures in order to bias and cross-contamination.

Parties are slated to return April 10.