Trial Opens in 2016 Homicide Case

Defense and prosecution present arguments in the murder trial of Wilbert Whitaker for the 2016 death of Leo Hackett.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Violence

Attorneys have begun opening arguments in the homicide trial of 77-year-old Wilbert Whitaker. He faces charges for the 2016 shooting death of 30-year-old Leo Hackett at a residence in Northeast Washington.

Why it matters

The trial explores whether the fatal shooting resulted from a domestic dispute or was an act of self-defense. Judge Todd Edelman has ruled that the defense is permitted to present a self-defense argument to the jury.

Wilbert Whitaker faces charges of first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Court proceedings are ongoing as the judge addresses potential juror bias concerns.

The players

Wilbert Whitaker

He is the 77-year-old defendant charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of Leo Hackett.

Leo Hackett

He was the 30-year-old victim who died following a gunshot wound sustained in 2016.

Todd Edelman

He is the judge presiding over the homicide trial at the DC Superior Court.

The details

Prosecutors claim Whitaker shot Hackett during a domestic dispute, while the defense asserts the shooting was defensive. Evidence introduced includes a revolver and blood spots located 17 feet and 5 inches from the front door of the 800 block 21st St, NE residence.

April 30, 2016: Leo Hackett died from a gunshot wound.
September 29, 2016: An eyewitness provided grand jury testimony regarding the incident.
October 28, 2026: Opening arguments were presented in court.
October 29, 2026: The parties are scheduled to reconvene.

Legal Context

This case proceeds under the District of Columbia's self-defense jury instructions which define the threshold for justified use of force. The court must now weigh the conflicting testimonies against established legal standards for claims of self-defense.

The trial process and subsequent rulings are held at the DC Superior Court and remain open to public observation. Residents should note that the proceedings are part of the standard judicial process for resolving major criminal cases in the district.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities involved when forensic evidence is paired with evolving eyewitness testimony over a decade later. Jurors will ultimately decide the credibility of the self-defense argument presented by the defense.