The investigation into the death of Ali Ahmed Mohammed outside the DC9 nightclub has been closed, after investigators determined that there is not enough evidence to pursue criminal charges for the man’s death.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the case was closed today, saying the six month investigation conducted by homicide detectives and prosecutors was a “wide reaching… and a careful analysis of the evidence.”
Mohammed’s family met with USAO officials today and were informed of the decision, according to a press release from the USAO.
According to that statement, though Mohammed’s death was classified as a homicide by the Medical Examiner’s office, there was no indication that a criminal act caused the homicide.
On January 6, 2011, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner issued its autopsy report. The manner of death was listed forensically as homicide, which means that others were involved, though not necessarily criminally responsible, in Mr. Mohammed’s death. The autopsy findings confirmed that there were no significant physical injuries to Mr. Mohammed, and certainly none consistent with being beaten. The only injuries observed were consistent with being held on the ground. The cause of death was listed as excited delirium, associated with heart defects, alcohol intoxication and physical exertion with restraint. In light of all the evidence, the medical examiner observed no physical injuries that reasonably could be associated with criminal homicide charges. The independent forensic pathologist agreed with this determination.
Read the USAO’s full statement, and a statement from MPD, after the jump.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Closes Investigation Into the Death of Ali Ahmed Mohammed
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that an extensive law enforcement investigation has determined that there is insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges related to the death of Ali Ahmed Mohammed, who died October 15, 2010 after an incident outside the DC9 nightclub, located in the 1900 block of Ninth Street NW. The investigation now is closed.
The decision was made following a wide-reaching investigation spanning more than six months and a careful analysis of the evidence by experienced homicide detectives and prosecutors.
Working with detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department, prosecutors interviewed many witnesses and potential witnesses, including employees and customers at nearby clubs and restaurants, as well as bystanders and others who were in the area when the incident took place. They also interviewed medical professionals who encountered or treated Mr. Mohammed, as well as all of the first responders on the scene. They repeatedly visited the scene and analyzed surveillance images taken from various vantage points, both official images and those made by private establishments. They reviewed all physical evidence, documentary evidence, crime scene photographs, and radio transmissions.
The investigative team worked closely with the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. In addition, the team retained a nationally renowned forensic pathologist to assist in the investigation.
Early witness accounts suggested that Mr. Mohammed, who was 27, might have been beaten to death. The investigation revealed that those initial reports were inaccurate and unsupported by medical and physical evidence, or by other eyewitness accounts.
The evidence gathered in the investigation reveals that the incident began when Mr. Mohammed threw two bricks through the window of DC9. An owner and employees from the club chased, seized, and restrained Mr. Mohammed until police arrived. The evidence did not support a finding that the owner and employees beat Mr. Mohammed to death.
On January 6, 2011, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner issued its autopsy report. The manner of death was listed forensically as homicide, which means that others were involved, though not necessarily criminally responsible, in Mr. Mohammed’s death. The autopsy findings confirmed that there were no significant physical injuries to Mr. Mohammed, and certainly none consistent with being beaten. The only injuries observed were consistent with being held on the ground. The cause of death was listed as excited delirium, associated with heart defects, alcohol intoxication and physical exertion with restraint. In light of all the evidence, the medical examiner observed no physical injuries that reasonably could be associated with criminal homicide charges. The independent forensic pathologist agreed with this determination.
Officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office met earlier today with Mr. Mohammed’s family to advise them of this decision and again expressed their deepest condolences for the tragic loss of Mr. Mohammed.
June 2, 2011
Metropolitan Police Department
Response Regarding DC 9(Washington, DC) - This case presented a unique set of circumstances whereby the initial reports from witnesses indicated that Mr. Mohammed was beaten to death. The Metropolitan Police Department made arrests based on those initial reports and all of the information that was available at the time. The Medical Examiners office ruled the case a homicide, and indicated that the restraint of Mr. Mohammed was one of the contributing factors in his death. The original accounts by witnesses was not discovered to be mistaken or inaccurate until a more comprehensive review of the medical and forensic evidence was done by detectives and prosecutors. With all of the additional information, the United States Attorney’s office has concluded that a prosecution in this case would be impossible because there is no evidence to suggest that the restraint of Mr. Mohammed was illegal. It is always tragic when a young person’s life ends prematurely. The Metropolitan Police Department would again like to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Ali Ahmed Mohammed.
Gwendolyn Crump,
Spokesperson
Metropolitan Police Department
