‘The Devil is in the Details,’ Says Prosecution in Murder Case Closing

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A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom heard closing arguments on Oct. 9 for a homicide that occurred in December of 2020.

Dennis Chase, 32, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with prior violence crime for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Anthony Orr. The incident occurred on Dec. 7, 2020 on the 400 block of Xenia Street SE.

The prosecution said that everything the defense has argued has been to ‘distract’ the jury from what happened. They explained that Chase driving in a car with Orr when he turned and shot Orr on the side of the head in a drug-fueled encounter

According to the prosecution, the autopsy reports show where the bullet had entered and exited the side of Orr’s head before shattering the passenger seat window. Based on where the bullet entered Orr had to be facing forward, not facing Chase as he had testified for his claim he was “defending himself”, argued prosecutors.

The prosecution argued Chase changed his story during his testimony and went as far as telling the jury, “I cannot remember any details.”

The prosecution said that the “devil is in the details,” and to make sure jurors focus on Chase’s character before reaching the logical conclusion of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Chase’s attorney, Megan Allburn, stated that no one knows whether or not Chase was in danger or not the day of the incident, so ruling out self-defense immediately is not the right move.

According to Allburn, Orr’s girlfriend, who had testified on the defense’s behalf, stated in her testimony that Orr was paranoid in the days leading up to his death, and that he told her he had to “kill Dick” (Chase) before he was killed. Allburn argued that Orr could have attempted to kill Chase who then took the gun and shot Orr first before he had the chance.

Allburn reminded the jury that if they have even a single ounce of doubt, they must rule “not guilty.”

“Do not compromise,” Allburn told the jury, and insisted Chase is not guilty of first or second-degree murder while armed and that he acted in self-defense.

Parties will reconvene on 10.10.