‘We Didn’t Know Where He Was,’ Victim’s Mother Testifies in Homicide Trial 

By Maria Andrea Morales [former] , Ashley Fajardo Perez [former] - February 7, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 6, an opening statement was presented along with testimony from several prosecution witnesses at the start of a fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Terrell Poe, 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Christopher Washington on Sept. 23, 2020, on the 400 block of Southern Avenue, SE. 

Prosecutors delivered their opening statement identifying Poe as the individual responsible for the fatal shooting. 

They narrated a timeline of events leading up to the incident showing images related to the crime scene, including an image of the bus stop where the incident took place and an image of a red iPhone, which they claimed belonged to Poe.

The prosecution also presented CCTV footage that corresponded with their timeline of the crime.

The video showed an individual, who they identified as Poe, on the incident scene as further evidence of guilt.

Poe’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, reserved her opening statement. 

Prosecutors then summoned an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who said he was at a gas station close by when he heard the sounds of gunshots and promptly drove to the crime scene. 

At the crime scene, the officer cordoned off the area.

During the incident, the officer wore a body cam, which the prosecution says confirms its sequence of the events.

During King’s cross-examination the officer acknowledged he did not witness the shooting and does not know the individual responsible. 

Then the prosecution called Washington’s mother to testify about how she discovered her son had passed away. 

According to Washington’s mother, she and her daughter got a call from Washington’s wife that there had been an incident. They both showed up to the crime scene and his body was gone. 

“We didn’t know where he was,” proclaimed his mother, adding that the next time they saw him was at a funeral home. 

King began her cross examination by questioning the mother if she knew that her son was dealing illegal substances. 

Washington’s mother said she was aware, but she said it was not in large amounts, and he only he did it to have some cash. 

King also questioned her regarding the nickname her son had on social media and his activities with his friends. His mother was only aware of the nickname, “Flock,” but did not know why they called him that. 

Washington’s mother said she had no information about the activities her son was involved in. 

Following Washington’s mother’s testimony, prosecutors called on a witness from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) who collected more than ten pieces of evidence from the crime scene including cartridge casings, a red iPhone 12 and a white iPhone XR, along with a camouflage knuckle knife and Toyota car keys. She also took DNA swabs from the scene as well as photos to document the area.

Then she collected the victim’s clothing.

During cross-examination the witness acknowledged there was approximately an hour between when the crime occurred and her arrival so the defense argued that some items might have been placed there intentionally.

Parties are slated to return Feb 7.