<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3otKdI_1H1UZsvI00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3otKdI_1H1UZsvI00" width="1024" height="668" ></figure>An eyewitness to a murder testified before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Nov. 9 that the man sitting near the victim was “smiling nervously” as he calmly walked away from the scene at a soccer field.Pedro Funes, 36, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Arnold Solis on July 26, 2023, on the 2200 block of Champlain Street, NW. Solis sustained one gunshot wound to his chin that exited through his temple.The eyewitness testified that he was playing soccer when he heard a sound he first took for a firecracker. Then, he said he saw smoke coming from terrace steps near the tennis courts. Looking toward the smoke, the eyewitness claimed it was near the only men sitting on the terrace steps. He then saw one of the men lay the other’s body down, stand up, and walk away. The eyewitness stated the man looked over, “smiling nervously” as he left. The men had been talking beforehand, the eyewitness said. He testified their body language suggested the conversation was tense, though he could not make out what they were saying.The eyewitness said he was the first person to approach the man lying on the steps once he realized what happened. He saw the victim had been shot, was unresponsive, and breathing hoarsely. The eyewitness kept pressure on Solis’ head wound while another bystander administered CPR until first responders stepped in.On-cross examination from Funes’ attorney, Dana Page, the eyewitness clarified he never saw a gun. Page pointed to differences in his August 2023 police interview and his 2024 grand jury testimony. In his interview, the eyewitness told officers the men were just chatting. He later testified in 2024 the conversation looked tense. A Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) forensic crime scene examiner testified about how evidence was collected and documented following the shooting. The evidence included a nine-millimeter bullet shell casing, beer cans, a bloody towel, and a takeout food bag. He said the cans and food container were swabbed for DNA and processed for latent fingerprints. On cross-examination, the crime scene examiner confirmed no fingerprints or DNA evidence were collected from the bullet casting. A specialist testified about latent fingerprint evidence collected in the case. He explained that investigators identified three prints suitable for comparison from two digital scans found at the incident location.He testified that all of the prints were compared with a fingerprint card belonging to Funes.According to the expert’s testimony, two prints were likely Funes’ and the third print was inconclusive compared with both Funes and Solis.The prosecution called a bystander who testified that he was playing soccer at Marie Reed Park when he heard a noise that sounded like “a very light firecracker.” He said he initially did not believe the noise was a gunshot because no one in the park appeared to react.The witness said that after the sound, he noticed a man walking slowly from the area where the sound originated. He said the man who walked away wore dark clothing, a black hat, and had a bag across his chest. The witness described the man’s walk as “very slow” and “nonchalant.” A few minutes later, the witnes testified that another soccer player went into the stands to retrieve a ball and discovered the victim had been shot. After the player yelled for help, the witness called 911 and approached the victim, where he found him “bleeding from the nose and mouth.”In cross-examination, Funes’ other attorney, Henry Druschel, emphasized that the witness never saw the victim interact with the man who walked away. The witness also confirmed that he did not hear an argument, fight, or any commotion prior to the shooting.The prosecution called another witness, who testified that he was putting on his soccer cleats when he heard “a loud bang” to his right. He said he turned to see one man fall backward while another stood up, reached down to his bag, and walked away.”He walked calmly, he didn’t run or rush,” the witness testified.The civilian said the two men had been sitting next to each other when he arrived and appeared comfortable with one another. He did not hear raised voices or an argument. Additionally, he testified that he did not initially realize the man had been shot.During cross-examination, Druschel challenged the witness’ account by referencing his grand jury testimony, in which he said he potentially could have heard a loud argument or screaming fight. At trial, however, the witness testified that the ongoing soccer games would have made it difficult to hear a loud conversation.A tennis player who was nearby also testified he heard a pop and finished his game before realizing what had happened. He said that Funes and Solis had been playing music and seemed like good friends. He smelled cannabis but never saw anyone smoke it, he said. After reviewing his grand jury testimony, he recalled Funes leaving, possibly holding a bluetooth speaker. On cross-examination, the tennis player clarified he saw no gun and nothing out of the ordinary. On redirect, he said the men seemed relaxed and he couldn’t recall an argument.The parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 10.</div></body>

Block Source: dcwitness.org

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An eyewitness to a murder testified before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Nov. 9 that the man sitting near the victim was “smiling nervously” as he calmly walked away from the scene at a soccer field. Pedro Funes, 36, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while...

» Suspect Reportedly Smiled While Walking Away From Soccer Field Murder

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An eyewitness to a murder testified before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Nov. 9 that the man sitting near the victim was “smiling nervously” as h

» Suspect Reportedly Smiled While Walking Away From Soccer Field Murder

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