– lead detective homicide case
– tips homicide case.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
In a recent juvenile trial in the DC Superior Court, a homicide detective testified that he received tips related to the case but did not investigate them. This revelation has raised concerns among defense lawyers who believe the information could be crucial in proving the innocence of the accused.
The trial involves a 16-year-old boy who is facing charges of first-and-second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to kill, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of ammunition. These charges are in connection with the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Jihad Darden on December 18, 2023, on the 5400 block of Illinois Avenue, NW.
During the trial on May 7, prosecutors called back the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to discuss his role in the investigation that led to the arrest of the juvenile. The detective testified that MPD was able to track the suspect’s movements before and after the shooting through surveillance footage from various cameras in the area.
The detective identified the suspect fleeing the scene in multiple videos and traced his path to an apartment on the 1300 block of Missouri Avenue, NW, where the juvenile was known to frequent. The detective mentioned that the suspect changed clothes at the apartment before ordering an Uber to his home in Bowie, MD, using a friend’s account.
Subsequent search warrants executed at the Missouri Avenue apartment and the Bowie address led to the recovery of the distinctive red and white Jordan sneakers worn by the suspect, along with other clothes and a backpack. However, no weapon was found during the search.
The detective stated that the defendant was identified as the shooter based on statements provided by a friend’s grandmother and a tipster. The first tipster, who was familiar with the defendant’s family, reported receiving messages from the defendant’s older brother confessing to Darden’s murder. Despite providing verification of the messages to MPD, the defendant’s brother was not investigated as a suspect.
Another tipster named the defendant as the shooter but used a nickname instead of his full name. This tip led MPD to question the defendant’s associates and friends to ascertain his identity. The tipster also mentioned a possible conflict between the defendant’s brother and Darden, although the motive was unclear.
Defense attorneys Amanda Epstein and Matt Besman filed a motion for a judgment of acquittal, arguing that the prosecution had not presented sufficient evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. They contended that the act was not deliberate and premeditated as required by law.
However, Judge James Crowell denied the motion, citing the District’s law that bringing a firearm to the scene is considered premeditation. The defense maintained the innocence of the defendant, emphasizing that he had no prior relationship with the victim.
The juvenile opted not to testify in court, and the case is scheduled to continue on May 8. The trial has sparked debates about the handling of evidence and the importance of thorough investigations in juvenile cases.
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– lead detective homicide case
– detective didn’t investigate tips.
