Victim’s Ex-Girlfriend Cries During Testimony

By D.C. Witness Staff - December 3, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a murder trial, a transgendered woman told a jury Dec. 2 about the abuse she endured at the hands of her ex-boyfriend. 

Sean Baker, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 35-year-old Robert Wiggins on the 300 block of 37th Street, SE on Jan. 31, 2016. Baker was initially charged with assault with the intent to kill. Baker is a transgender woman.

During the defense’s arguments, one of the victim’s previous girlfriends, who was also a transgendered woman, testified about Wiggins’ abusive nature and his alleged drug use. As the ex-girlfriend spoke to the jury she began to cry. 

The ex-girlfriend said Wiggins raped, stabbed and choked her, adding that he beat her at least five times a month. She also said Wiggins threatened to kill her if she tried to leave the relationship.

The ex-girlfriend said she was able to leave after she went to jail. “I don’t believe I would be here if we had gotten back together,” she said. 

Wiggins’ ex-girlfriend also said, when they were in a relationship, the two smoked crack together.

After the witness left the stand, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman asked Baker if she would be testifying. Baker said no.

Judge Edelman also denied the defense’s motion to call EMT responders as witnesses for the case.

Baker’s defense lawyer, John Fowler, said he wanted to argue that the EMT responders were grossly negligent, which contributed to Wiggins’ death.

But, Judge Edelman said there was no evidence to support Fowler’s claim of gross negligence.

After the judge’s denied the motion, the defense rested.

Closing arguments are scheduled to begin on Dec. 3.

Danuellys Diaz wrote this article.