Jury Acquits Domestic Shooting Defendant on All Counts

Marquis Allen found not guilty after two-day trial in Washington, D.C.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent shell casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the forensic evidence and unanswered questions surrounding a domestic violence incident.A single spent shell casing left behind at the scene of a domestic violence incident raises more questions than answers.Washington Today

A 32-year-old man named Marquis Allen was acquitted by a jury on all four charges related to an alleged non-fatal shooting incident in Washington, D.C. in August 2025. Allen was accused of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, threats to kidnap or injure a person, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. After a two-day trial, the jury found Allen not guilty on all counts.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges prosecutors can face in securing convictions for domestic violence-related crimes, even when there is an alleged victim and physical evidence. The jury's decision to acquit the defendant on all charges raises questions about the strength of the prosecution's case and the reliability of eyewitness testimony in such sensitive situations.

The details

According to court records, the alleged incident occurred on August 19, 2025 at the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE in Washington, D.C. Prosecutors claimed that Marquis Allen shot towards his sister after a verbal altercation in her apartment. However, the defense attorney argued that the victim was the only eyewitness and had a clear motive to lie, and that the prosecution failed to meet the burden of proof and left many questions unanswered.

  • The trial began on April 7, 2026 and lasted only two days.
  • The jury delivered its unanimous not guilty verdict on April 9, 2026.

The players

Marquis Allen

A 32-year-old man who was acquitted by a jury on all four charges related to an alleged non-fatal shooting incident in Washington, D.C. in August 2025.

Shawn Sukumar

The defense attorney who argued that the prosecution failed to meet the burden of proof and that the victim had a clear motive to lie.

Carmen McLean

The DC Superior Court Judge who presided over the trial.

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What they’re saying

“The victim was the only eyewitness and had a clear motive to lie, stating that the prosecution didn't meet the burden of proof and left many questions unanswered.”

— Shawn Sukumar, Defense Attorney

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities and challenges involved in prosecuting domestic violence-related crimes, where eyewitness testimony and evidence can be unreliable or insufficient to secure a conviction. The jury's decision to acquit the defendant on all charges underscores the high bar prosecutors must meet to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in such sensitive situations.