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By
Patrick Hillmeyer
- April 3, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Uncategorized
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Defense attorneys attempted to undermine the testimony of two Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives in a murder trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 1.
Demonte Gibson, 27, and Asani Forte, 27, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property for their alleged involvement in the murder of Delonte King, 34, on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. Gibson is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.
Russell Hairston, Forte’s attorney, continued his previous day’s questioning of one detective about how he approached Forte for questioning after the homicide. He asked whether the detective used the phrase ,“We’d like to talk to you” or, “We need to talk to you,” implying that the latter was much more of a demand. The detective couldn’t recall.
Hairston stated the detective approached Forte, asking if he knew about a homicide and Forte said he didn’t know what the detective was talking about. Hairston noted that the detective had not given a specific date of the homicide; the detective testified he assumed Forte knew what he was talking about at the time of their interaction.
“You’re not a mind reader are you? I ask you not to perceive what my client is thinking,” Hairston told the detective.
According to the detective, Forte had initially denied any involvement in the homicide but went along with the interview once the detective told him they had video footage of someone wearing similar clothes to Forte’s at the scene.
Kevann Gardner, Gibson’s attorney, continued his earlier questioning of another detective over the appropriateness of the interrogation room, Gibson’s detention with shackles, and the detective’s alleged failure to read Gibson his Miranda rights before his questioning.
After repeated prosecution objections, Judge Brandt informed the jury they should assume Gibson’s interview conformed to MPD standards. “
“The last thing I’m gonna do is referee the bickering,” Judge Brandt scolded the parties once the jury left the room.
Gardner and Hairston questioned the second detective’s knowledge regarding possible communications between Gibson and Forte leading up to and after the shooting. According to the detective, MPD was unable to verify any.
Prosecutors insisted co-conspirators don’t need to rely on texting or social media to carry out their plans.
Gardner also asked the second detective if, during the investigation, he was aware of several random stabbings King had allegedly committed prior to the homicide including one at a park across the street from the crime scene. The detective stated he was not aware, and is not assigned to that case. Further, a homicide suspect isn’t treated differently even if he is a victim.
Gardner questioned the detective’s knowledge about statements made by an eyewitness to MPD about waiting at a crosswalk for a light to change with two individuals.
Using surveillance footage, Gardner showed the jury and the detective that her testimony was inconsistent because other people weren’t visible at the crosswalk when the shooting occurred.
Parties are slated to reconvene April 2.