‘Three Firearms Bring Terror Down on the DC Community,’ Says Prosecutor in Three Co-Defendant Homicide Case

By Carmen Quinteros [former] , Hope Hamerslough [former], Sonia Vazquez [former], Jacob Quill [former] - June 4, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Prosecution presented closing arguments before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 4, which led to a mistrial motion in a murder conspiracy 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.

“Do guns kill or do people kill?” the prosecutor asked the jury as they began their closing arguments. According to the prosecution, over the course of an eight-day period one victim was killed, 10 more assaulted, seven cars damaged, and four communities terrorized by the use of three unregistered firearms by the defendants. 

“Three firearms bring terror down on the DC community,” the prosecution added.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution has attempted to connect Jackson, Freeman, and Nelson to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, 2020 on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW; Feb. 24, 2020 on the 1700 block of 9th Street, NW, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020 at Channing Street, NE. The prosecution alleges a firearm conspiracy of the defendants, in which they aimed to obtain and use specific weapons in all shootings. 

The prosecution described all of the incidents in detail, referring back to text messages, cell site records, security footage and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) body cam footage to contextualize the order of events and corroborate witness statements. Much of the prosecution’s closing statement revolved around proving a planned conspiracy.

The prosecution alleges the motive for Lukes’ death was due to “rap beef.” They believe the feud from two groups from different DC neighborhoods over who was the true “Northwest Goon” rapper culminated in the death of rapper and close friend of the three co-defendants, Tahlil Byrd, 19.

Lukes had appeared in a music video made by “Slimegoon9”, who was alleged to be Byrd’s rival. Lukes’ cousin also appeared in the music video and was a victim of the Feb. 24, 2020 shooting.  

The prosecutor, speaking on Luke’s death, said, “He tried to run, he couldn’t hide,” after receiving a gunshot wound to his back. 

The prosecutor highlighted Nelson’s and Freeman’s criminal history, stating that they are “convicted felons” for firearm offenses leading Andrew Ain, Freeman’s defense attorney to request a mistrial. The defense attorneys on behalf of Jackson and Nelson also joined Ain’s motion to file for a mistrial. 

Judge Brandt will rule on the matter during the next court hearing.

Due to time constraints, the prosecution was unable to conclude their closing arguments. 

Parties are set to return June 5.