‘This Case is an Assortment of 30 Second Videos,’ Says Prosecutor in Homicide Preliminary Hearing

By Mia Febles - March 21, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On March 21, before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, a homicide defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing. 

Robert Straughter, 26, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the murder of 24-year-old Tyejuan Harkum on the 2600 block of Naylor Road, SE, on Dec. 6, 2023.

According to court documents, Harkum was followed by a green Kia Soul, allegedly driven by Straughter and occupied by two other individuals, from a barber shop to Roaming Rooster, a fast-food restaurant.

As Harkum left the restaurant, a passenger who had gotten out of the Kia, shot him, before returning to the car, which was allegedly a stolen vehicle. 

Straughter’s defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, advised the court that Straughter made the decision to waive his right to a preliminary hearing. 

Bruckheim asked the court to consider releasing him, arguing that Straughter has only one previous conviction, unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm offense, and has been enrolled in the Pathways Program since the incident occurred. According to the DC Government’s website, the program aims to decrease a person’s involvement in the criminal justice system, and provides training that focuses on life and job skills. 

According to Bruckheim, Straughter’s case manager from the Pathways Program wrote a letter to the court on his behalf saying, “[Straughter] has proven to be a positive asset to his peers.”

The prosecution opposed the defense’s request to release Straughter. 

The prosecution presented video footage of the events leading up to the shooting. “This case is an assortment of 30 second videos,” the prosecutor said. 

The video footage revealed three people, including an individual identified as Straughter, exiting a green Kia Soul and walking into a barbershop. 

Harkum entered the barbershop minutes after the three individuals and was immediately recognized, the prosecution alleged.  

According to the prosecution, after the three individuals exited the barbershop, two of the individuals waited outside of the storefront for Harkum to exit, while Straughter walked to the car. 

The prosecution claimed when Harkum exited the barbershop, the two individuals followed him into a nearby fast-food restaurant.

According to the prosecution, soon after entering the restaurant, the two individuals left and walked back to the car, where the three individuals, including Straughter, parked at a gas station across the street to wait for Harkum. 

“[Straughter] is involved in a patient waiting game of murdering this victim,” the prosecution stated. 

The prosecution argued that Straughter and his alleged accomplices pose “an absolute danger to the community” and strongly urged the court to continue detention. 

Judge Okun ruled in favor of detention, and claimed the weight of the evidence against Straughter is “strong.” He added that Straughter and his accomplices were “clearly following [Harkum].” 

Parties are slated to return on June 17.