Trial Testimony Sheds Light on Homicide Investigation

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Several witnesses were called to testify about different components of a homicide investigation during the two co-defendants’ trial.

Nyekemia Everett, 35, and Malik Hewitt, 41, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 37-year-old Christopher Heard on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE, on April 27, 2017.

The prosecution alleges that the two defendants plotted to rob and kill Heard, who was selling the drug PCP to make money after having recently been released from jail. They allege that Everett shot Heard, while Hewitt acted as the getaway driver.

The witnesses who testified during the July 13 proceedings included an expert firearms and tool mark examiner. He said he examined the revolver believed to be the murder weapon and tested it for functionality.

“When I pulled the trigger the firearm functioned as designed, it was able to discharge a bullet,” he said.

Phone records from a major mobile texting and phone call application company are also being used as evidence in this case. An executive employee at the company testified that the app allows users to message with a separate phone number that, while different from the phone’s standard SIM card phone number, is still trackable by phone records.

Everett was the first of the two defendants to be arrested. He was taken into custody on May 12, 2017. A member of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force detailed the police chase that ended in his arrest.

He testified that the chase started on Highway 295, SE. After some time, Everett exited briefly to Highway 395 towards Howard Road. The chase eventually went back onto Highway 295, where Everett collided with a pole and was apprehended while fleeing on foot, the officer said. The officer also testified that Everett was driving 80 MPH throughout the chase.

The trial will resume on July 14.

Hewitt is also charged with possession of a firearm during an act of violence, felony murder while armed and conspiracy in this case. Everett is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, fleeing a law enforcement officer, attempt to commit robbery while armed, conspiracy and obstructing justice.

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