Case Acquitted: Witness’ Testimony Leaves Victim’s Family in Tears During Murder Trial

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This case was acquitted on Nov. 9, 2022.

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee presided over a murder trial as three witnesses delivered testimony.

Mike Bidgell, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection to the shooting of 18-year-old, Marquis Harrod, on June 6, 2020, on the 1300 Block of Brentwood Road, NE.

During a Nov. 1 trial, the prosecution summoned three witnesses to testify before the court, two of whom witnessed the incident and one who conducted the autopsy on Harrod.

The prosecution also questioned a witness who stayed back with the victim to ensure his safety.

She recounted Harrod’s struggles, saying he was “gasping for air” and his words sounded “gurgled,” presumably from blood. Strangers reportedly informed her that he was dead, indicating that he “released his bowels.”

This testimony elicited an emotional response from the victim’s family, causing them to break out in tears and exit the courtroom.

Judge Lee ordered a break to provide the victim’s family with time to recollect themselves before proceeding with the hearing.

According to court documents, Harrod allegedly approached Bidgell in his car after exiting the Woodbridge Vets Liquor store on the 1300 block of Brentwood Road, NE. Security footage shows him leaning towards the driver’s seat to talk to Bidgell who then opens fire on him.

Surveillance footage shows Harrod stumbling and falling face-first on the ground as the defendant drives away. Bystanders on the street fled the scene in response to the gunshots.

After the break, Bidgell’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, cross-examined the witness, questioning her credibility because she was detained by marshals earlier that morning for refusing to testify.

The witness claimed she “did not want to get involved.”

Following her testimony, a medical examiner described the cause and manner of Harrod’s death. Harrod was shot in both the shoulder and the chest with the latter wound exiting his body and damaging his arteries.

The prosecution then presented the bullet that exited his body as well as photos of Harrod’s autopsy to the jury.

McDaniel then cross-examined the medical examiner, asking about the distance of the barrel of the gun from Harrod’s body.

She estimated that the defendant fired shots from within ten to twelve inches of the victim as indicated by the “stippling pattern” left behind.

Lastly, the prosecution introduced Bidgell’s brother to the stand who regarded his relationship with his brother as “strained.”

When describing the incident, he said that he was hanging out at the Quick Trip 24 convenience store when he spotted his brother who he allegedly hasn’t spoken to him in two years.

The two engaged in a verbal dispute when they united, and the witness said Harrod pulled out a gun and shouted, “Man, fuck this! Watch out!”

After hearing gunshots, the witness as well as other bystanders ran away.

Before McDaniel could cross-examine the witness, Judge Lee adjourned the court.

Parties are scheduled to return to court on Nov. 2 to continue matters.

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