The ‘Wrong Man is on Trial,’ Defense Says

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 8, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During closing arguments in a murder trial, the defense told a jury that “the wrong man is on trial” for the death of a 16-year-old girl.

Saeve Evans is charged with first-degree murder while armed and two gun-related offenses for his alleged role in the death of Breyona McMillian on the 1200 block of I Street, SE in 2016. He is also charged with obstruction of justice.

Evan’s defense attorney, James King, said his client acted in self-defense. King said Evans, 32, fired his weapon at a black car after seeing movement in the vehicle. He said McMillian was caught in the crossfire and was killed by a shooter in the car.

However, the prosecution said there was no other shooter and that Evans shot McMillian. The prosecution previously stated that Evans’ “pride and ego” was responsible for McMillian’s death.

“Pride. Ego. Those words are as misguided as they are offensive,” King said. “People are allowed to defend themselves.”

The defense said Evans believed a man by the name of Sean Shuler was in the black car and that Evans fired in self-defense. Apparently, Shuler, 26, and Evans had a long standing feud. King said Shuler shot Evans at least sixteen times in 2012. 

Shuler was killed on Jan. 26, the weekend before he was supposed to testify.

The defense said the law entitles a person to claim self-defense if they believe they are in danger. King said Evans’ actions were not premeditated and that he genuinely believed he was in danger.

The defense also argued that the prosecution’s case left room for doubt because evidence supports a second shooter. According to the defense, ballistic evidence and the way the victim fell is consistent with someone shooting from the car.

During rebuttals, the prosecution refuted the defense’s self-defense argument. According to the prosecution, Evans was “shooting at ghosts.”

The jury began deliberating on Feb. 7.