Witnesses Testify They Saw Fatal Shooting Unfold in Terror

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Prosecution witnesses testified they watched a murder in progress in a trial before a jury and DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Jan. 28.

Ethan Cunningham, 22, is charged with two counts of felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside the home, and attempted robbery while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old James Curtis on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE on May 10, 2022.

On Jan. 23, prosecutors dismissed four charges – one count of felony murder while armed, kidnapping while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home,” the prosecutor told the jury during their opening statements about the shooting, stating that Cunningham allegedly killed Curtis “steps away from his home,” after a failed robbery attempt.

According to the prosecution, Curtis made himself an “easy target,” by holding the door to his apartment building open for the defendant and another young man to enter.

The prosecution told the jury that Cunningham pushed Curtis against the wall of his apartment with a 9mm firearm and said “Shut the f**k up, you know what it is, open the door,” – which they argue can be seen in Ring camera footage retrieved from Curtis’ front door.

Curtis refused because his girlfriend and her six-year-old son were inside the apartment, the prosecution claimed.

They stated that the defendant then pushed Curtis down a flight of stairs to the basement level of the building. Curtis’ roommate and best friend came down the stairs to help, but failed as the suspect fired several times at them. Bullets grazed his roommate’s backpack, setting it on fire.

Thomas Healy, Cunningham’s attorney, asked the jury to “keep an open mind” during the trial, saying that they should presume Cunningham innocent until the prosecution provides evidence that proves all elements of every charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

Following the opening statements, the prosecution called multiple witnesses that were present during or directly after the incident.

Curtis’ roommate and best friend testified that following a trip to get food, Curtis parked his Dodge Charger and entered the building alone.

The witness heard Curtis calling out “Help, bro, help, he’s trying to get me.”

The friend testified he ran downstairs and wrestled with the suspect who shot four times – twice at Curtis’ friend, and twice at Curtis.

Once the shooter fled, the witness testified, he ran upstairs to check on his girlfriend, not realizing Curtis had been shot later finding him wounded.

Prosecutors also called Curtis’ downstairs neighbor, who said, Curtis banged on his door for help after three-to-four gunshots rang out. Seeing Curtis in distress the witness called 911.

Curtis’ roommate’s girlfriend testified she and her boyfriend were let into the building by a man they did not recognize who fled the scene with the shooter. Then they heard Curtis screaming from downstairs asking for help.

She testified she saw the three men scuffling, then heard three-to-four gunshots and saw her boyfriend slip and fall on the landing closest to the basement. According to the witness, she screamed at the shooter, “No, don’t do that!,” as he pointed the gun at her boyfriend while he was on the ground.

Parties will reconvene Jan. 29.