In brief:
Two homicides were reported in D.C. this week:
- Virgil Wood, 22, was killed in a shooting Tuesday night in the 1500 block of V Street, Southeast, according to MPD.
- The October death of 53-year-old Carmen Payne was ruled a homicide. Police say she died of strangulation. She was found the 1200 block of Meigs Place, NE.
Jurors in the trial of Daren Vaughn were unable to decide whether or not he committed voluntary manslaughter while armed, a lesser included charge for first-degree murder, in connection with death of Tyrell Swann. On Wednesday, he was acquitted of first-degree premeditated murder, burglary and assault charges by jurors in the case. Vaughn’s defense attorney argued that the stabbing was committed in self-defense.
Antoine Little was found innocent of all charges in connection with the stabbing death of 52-year-old James Cain. After closing arguments, jurors deliberated for less than five hours before they announced their verdict.
The murder trial of Donte Graves ended when jurors announced they were unable to reach a verdict. Ten jurors reported that they were prepared to acquit Graves of second-degree murder while armed, assault with a deadly weapon and armed robbery in connection with the shooting death of Tyrone Joyner. Graves’ defense attorney argued that police and prosecutors overlooked the possibility of another shooter.
The trial of Calvin Shaw began Wednesday with opening arguments. Prosecutors say James Crevontai Key was “just hanging out” on the Fourth of July when three men wearing white t-shirts walked out of a nearby alley and opened fire. Shaw faces 40 criminal charges in connection with the case.
Jurors began deliberating in the case of Joshua Andrews, charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intention to kill, and three related weapons charges in connection with the shooting death of Darond Alonte Lucas. Prosecutors argued that Andrews laid in ambush and killed Lucas execution style; his defense attorneys say that evidence never shows the gun in Andrews’ hands.
Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying three persons of interest in the investigation of shooting death ofDaniel Calvin Short.
Joseph Chandler will pursue an insanity defense in connection to the shooting death of his girlfriend, 63-year-old Shirley Tucker. Chandler is charged with second-degree murder while armed and has been on release from jail for medical reasons since July of last year.
