Probable Cause Ruling Continued in Homicide Case

By
Sadie Herman
– January 10, 2024

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On January 8, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun continued a probable cause ruling in a homicide case.

Background of the Case

Jahi Settles, 24, is facing charges of second-degree murder while armed in connection with the shooting death of 33-year-old Langston Sharps on July 3, 2023, on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.

Testimony of the Lead Detective

The prosecution began by calling the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify. The detective presented surveillance footage showing an individual identified as Settles approaching Sharps’ vehicle. Settles claimed to have previously bought shoes from Sharps but had not paid him.

The detective stated that Settles disclosed an altercation between him and Sharps outside the vehicle, where Sharps allegedly punched Settles. However, Settles did not provide any information about Sharps possessing a weapon during the fight.

Settles denied shooting Sharps and claimed to have run and hidden behind nearby buildings at the time of the shooting. He suggested that the other individuals in the vehicle with Sharps could be responsible for the crime.

Witness Testimonies

The prosecution mentioned a witness who regularly dropped Settles off at the crime scene and had previously done so for drug sales. However, the defense objected to this comment, and the objection was sustained by Judge Okun.

Another witness allegedly received threatening messages from a third party, indicating potential harm or death and accompanied by gun emojis.

Cross-Examination and Defense Argument

During cross-examination, Settles’ attorney, Roderick Thompson, questioned the detective about the witnesses. The detective confirmed that none of the witnesses described Settles making any threats or mentioning a gun or weapon.

Thompson highlighted the importance of understanding the argument’s intensity and the instigator by pointing out that the surveillance footage did not capture the exact words exchanged between Settles and Sharps. He also noted that Settles fell after being punched by Sharps and raised his arm, but no firearm was visible in the footage.

Thompson further questioned the detective about the cartridges found at the crime scene, which did not implicate Settles based on DNA results.

Regarding the alleged threats received by the witness, Thompson argued that Settles was incarcerated at the time and questioned the detective’s knowledge of the texts. The detective acknowledged learning about the threats through the witness but did not personally verify the content.

Continuation of the Ruling

Due to scheduling constraints, Judge Okun decided to continue his ruling.

The parties are expected to reconvene on January 10.

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