Two Witnesses Become Irate, Uncooperative In A Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

By Jenna Gainsboro [former] - June 2, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects |

On June 1, parties gave their opening statements in a non-fatal shooting trial .

Joshua Hemphill, 33, is charged with 58 separate offenses involving a non-fatal shooting that took place on September 21, 2018, on the 2400 block of Wagner Place, SE. The charges include assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm, obstruction of justice, burglary, destruction of property, and threat to kidnap or injure.

“He wreaked havoc on two defenseless women,” according to prosecutors.

However, the defense team argued, “the person who shot [the victim] on September 21st, 2018, is not in the courtroom.”  

After opening statements, prosecutors called two witnesses who were allegedly Hemphill’s victims.

Of the two, one was uninjured while the other received gunshot wounds to the back of the left hand and the back of the head, but survived.

Both became uncooperative and had to be detained. 

The woman who was shot yelled that she did not know answers to any of the questions. She also lashed out at the defense team and DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz, calling them “b*tches” and “b*tch*sses.” 

After the second alleged victim began her testimony she seemed uncomfortable, and when asked about her personal life stood up and walked out of the courtroom. 

The judge then ordered US Marshals to detain her. The witness finished her testimony but would only answer that she did not know when asked a question. She was then released. 

The trial will continue on June 5th.