In a verdict that is more notable for where it occurred—Washington, DC—more so than why it occurred—a justifiable self-defense claim, Tierra Posey, a 24-year-old woman, was acquitted of all charges related to fatally shooting another woman during a fight in 2020. The acquittal came after a week-long trial in DC Superior Court, as reported by DC Witness.

The case centered around the events of January 6, 2020, at a gas station on the 3700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, Washington, DC, where 21-year-old Tia Carey was fatally shot. Posey faced charges of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. The core of the defense’s argument was that Posey acted in self-defense during an altercation with Carey.

Both the defense and prosecution acknowledged, based on video surveillance evidence, that Carey was the initial aggressor in the confrontation. The prosecution, however, contended that Posey had the opportunity to retreat from the situation and therefore, her decision to use a firearm was not justified. This perspective was summarized in their questioning of whether deadly force was necessary to repel Carey, to which they answered negatively, suggesting Carey confronted Posey after finding her with Carey’s boyfriend.