Transgender Sex Worker Says She Was Shot by Defendant Over Her Fee

By Ivanna Ceballos - September 11, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur’s courtroom heard a sex worker’s account of allegedly being shoot by a client who thought he was overcharged for her service. The victim’s emotional testimony came during a proceeding on Sept. 10.

Jerry Tyree, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of liquid PCP, and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged role in a Nov. 29, 2023, shooting on the 5900 block of Foote Street, NE.

A transgender woman sustained severe injuries during the incident. 

The prosecution called the shooting victim who said she was homeless at the time and became a sex worker to survive and pay for a hotel room. 

She described meeting Tyree on the street and leading him to an apartment building after negotiating a price for sex. The victim said the encounter escalated into an argument when Tyree accused her of trying to pick his pocket and she accused him of undervaluing her services.

According to the victim, Tyree pulled out a gun during the confrontation, and the victim offered all her money in exchange for her life. Tyree allegedly shot the victim as she stood up, hitting her in the genitals.

She grew emotional describing the moments before and after the shooting. She explained that she initially didn’t realize she had been shot as she was in shock. 

After emergency surgery, the victim testified, she experienced a panic attack when she discovered that her penis had turned black. She was rushed back for a second surgery and detailed the physical and emotional toll of her recovery, including the need for urine bags for six weeks being homeless.

In cross-examination defense attorney Sara Kopeck, questioned the witness’ recollection of events, including inconsistencies in her testimony regarding about exactly where Tyree had a gun when he pulled it and the timing of the ride share the victim had called before the incident.

The prosecution also cross-examined a witness who previously testified about hearing an argument followed by a gunshot. The prosecution asked if there was a struggle in the interval between the argument and the gunshot, but the said, “There really was no pause.”

Under questioning by the defense, the witness could not specify how long the argument continued before the gunshot. 

While the witness initially confirmed the victim’s use of the building for prostitution, the individual denied it during cross-examination, leading the defense to reference previous testimony.

The trial will continue on Sept. 11.