The prosecution showed jurors video footage of an attempted robbery and fatal stabbing in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Sept. 1.
David Key, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, felony murder while armed with the aggravating circumstance that the offense occurred during the commission of a robbery, and attempt to commit a robbery while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 33-year-old Devon Greenfield on April 1, 2024 on the 300 block of 61st Street, NE.
Greenfield died from seven sharp force injuries: three to his chest, two to the upper back, one to his lip, and one to his jaw.
In opening statements, the prosecutor described a “quiet street” in “broad daylight” with “two men, face-to-face.” The prosecution alleged that Key then slashed the side of Greenfield’s face, Greenfield fell to the ground, and Key robbed him.
When Greenfield reportedly did not cooperate with Key’s demands fast enough, the prosecutor claimed Key said “You think I’m f*cking playing with you.” The prosecutor alleged Key continued to assault, rob, and stab Greenfield for two minutes, then “left him to die” in the street gutter.
“This entire murder happened on video,” the prosecutor told the jury, then played the video. In the video, the suspect audibly demanded money as he assaulted Greenfield on the ground. As the suspect walked away, Greenfield stood up briefly before he fell face-first to the ground.
The prosecutor showed a still photo from security footage approximately 10 minutes prior to Greenfield’s murder. They claimed the photo captured Key wearing the same grey pants, black shoes, black backpack, and grey parka the suspect wore in the video of the offense.
To prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, the prosecution said they would demonstrate the thoroughness of the investigation through a “slow march” of evidence. For example, prosecutors reported that DNA from a water bottle allegedly linked Key to the scene.
“This was a thoughtful choice to kill,” the prosecution asserted and asked jurors to find Key guilty.
In a brief opening statement, Key’s attorney, Howard McEachern asserted his client is innocent. McEachern pointed to prosecutors and said “the burden is right there at this table.”
According to McEachern, no eyewitnesses will identify Key as the suspect and no one will identify Key as the suspect in the murder video. McEachern told jurors he would provide more detail in his closing argument about why the prosecution’s evidence is insufficient.
The prosecution then called Greenfield’s cousin to the stand who described him as an “overall stand up guy” and “a heartfelt individual.”
A scientist from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) testified about evidence he collected from the scene that included a beer can, pair of sunglasses, disposable plastic water bottles, and a black knit hat that said “GOAT” on the front.
The prosecution showed jurors photos the forensic scientist took of the scene that included the aforementioned evidence. The photos also captured a trail of suspected blood, Greenfield’s phone covered in suspected blood, Greenfield’s driver’s license, and the bottom of Greenfield’s shoes.
According to the forensic scientist, Greenfield was found in the area of grass between the street and sidewalk.
A responding officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified that paramedics already attended to Greenfield when she arrived at the scene. The officer canvassed for cameras and potential witnesses.
The trial is scheduled to resume on Sept. 2.
