Judge William Jackson found substantial probability in the case against Anthony Campbell today, saying that although there were “certain oddities” about the case there was enough evidence to send the first-degree murder charge to the grand jury.
Campbell, 34, is suspected of shooting Antwain Henderson in the head following an argument, then taking his body to Prince George’s County and burning it in a car.
Charging documents in the case state that a 2003 shooting, for which Henderson served six years in prison, may have been at the heart of the disagreement between the men. Detective Gabriel Truby said Friday that Henderson and Campbell, long time friends, were both involved in that shooting which left one man dead and injured Campbell. Henderson and Campbell were not shooting at each other, Truby said.
When Henderson was convicted in the shooting, he suspected that Campbell had been a government informant in the case. Truby said that the two hung out together after Henderson was released. Charging documents state that Henderson was also telling people that Campbell was “hot,” meaning a government witness.
At the preliminary hearing Friday, Truby said that witnesses told police that Henderson and Campbell were having an argument outside Campbell’s mother’s house in Northeast DC. As Henderson turned to walk away, Campbell shot him in the head. Charging documents state that Henderson’s body was brought into the house. Truby said Friday that Henderson’s blood was found in the basement.
Campbell’s defense attorney argued Friday that there was enough evidence to suggest that Campbell could have been shooting in self defense. Campbell, knowing that Henderson had served time for a shooting, and possibly aware that Henderson was armed, could have been fearful that Henderson was turning to reach for his gun instead of turning to leave, his attorney, Samuel Bogash, said.
Bogash also said there were resonable explanations for Henderson’s blood being in the basement; because he was frequently at the house it is possible that he could have cut himself shaving in the basement, or doing another task, Bogash said.
Jackson rejected those arguments and ordered that Campbell be held on the charge while the grand jury investigates. A hearing on the status of the case is set for Dec. 14.
