Victim’s Friend Testifies About Day of Fatal Shooting at Trial

By Helena Betancourt [former] - November 18, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Editors Note: The defendant in this case has since been acquitted on all counts. 

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who responded to the fatal shooting of Daniel Parker testified in front of a jury on Nov. 16. Parker’s friend, who was at the scene of the homicide, also took the witness stand.

Dewayne Shorter, 33, is on trial for first-degree murder while armed in the death of 38-year-old Parker on July 26, 2017, on the 2000 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE.

The doctor who performed Parker’s autopsy reported that the victim was shot so many times that he could not count the exact number of entry and exit wounds he sustained, according to court documents. 

The MPD officer told the prosecutor that, upon arriving at the crime scene, he found Parker on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head. When he realized that Parker was not showing signs of life, he checked the surrounding area for possible witnesses and began to set up barricade tape.

The MPD officer also said Parker had a pistol in the waistband of his pants. The prosecutor showed Body Worn Camera (BWC) footage to corroborate the testimony of the field training officer.

The second witness to testify was a friend of Parker who was present at the scene of the homicide. 

Parker’s friend said he was friends with Parker’s brother before meeting Daniel. He testified that Parker’s brother, Daniel, and their third brother were known to make money on the side by selling marijuana. In addition, when asked by the prosecutor whether the Parker brothers were “stick-up boys”, he responded by saying he was not completely sure, but that he had heard rumors.

Parker’s friend was then questioned on the events that transpired the day of the crime. He testified that they were with other guests at a house in the 2000 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE, having a barbecue. Parker’s friend mentioned that they were hanging out outside, which was rare. 

When asked why that was rare, he responded that there had been many shootings in the neighborhood and that being outside just felt dangerous. But he denied that he was scared of being outside due to a specific person’s threat.

Parker’s friend admitted to being high at the time of the crime. However, he recalled that Parker was speaking to his girlfriend when gunshots began to go off. He then mentioned that everyone scattered when the first shot went off. He did not see where the shots came from, but he knew they were coming from behind.

The trial is expected to continue on Nov. 18 with more witnesses.

Shorter is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm in this case.