Transgender Woman’s Testimony Backs Up Prosecution’s Theory

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 1, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A transgender woman told a DC Superior Court judge and lawyers Jan. 31 that one of the murder defendants robbed her in 2016. Her testimony backs up the prosecution’s theory about the murder of another transgender woman.

Jalonte Little and Monte Johnson are charged with felony murder while armed and armed robbery, among other offenses, for their alleged roles in the shooting of 22-year-old Deeniquia Dodds on the 200 block of Division Street, NE in 2016. Along with the defendants, brothers, Shareem Hall and Cyheme Hall are also being charged with Dodd’s death. The prosecution is treating the homicide as a hate crime.

The transgender woman, who spoke outside the presence of a jury, said she was allegedly robbed by Little on June 28, 2016. Prosecutors were able to retrieve two 911 calls made by the witness, who, on July 4, 2016, identified Little as her assailant.

According to to the prosecution’s theory, Little, Johnson and the Hall brothers were involved in a series of robberies targeting transgender women, which resulted in Dodds’ death. D.C. Witness previously reported that the prosecution offered a plea deal to the Hall brothers in exchange for their testimonies against Little and Johnson. As of Jan. 31, a plea agreement has not yet been filed.

On the seventh day of trial, two other witnesses, who are affiliated with Johnson, received immunity deals in exchange for their testimonies.

Johnson’s ex-girlfriend told the jury Jan. 31 that she was not given a lawyer or read her rights during an interview with police that lasted nearly four hours. However, she said she agreed to testify to the grand jury without a lawyer and understood her rights. The ex-girlfriend was granted immunity after saying Jan. 30 that she was “pressured” into giving a false testimony against Johnson during the grand jury hearing.

A friend of Johnson was also given immunity in exchange for his testimony. When asked by prosecutors if a gun he owned was given to anyone in connection with a murder, the friend said he could not remember.

The trial is scheduled to continue on Feb. 4.