Alexandria prosecutors set out Monday to show there is enough evidence to pursue a first-degree murder charge against Dawit Seyoum.
The 29-year-old is accused of murdering Carolyn Cross, the deputy director of D.C.’s Department of Corrections, on September 7.
Prosecutors revealed disturbing new details about Cross' death. Detectives testified in court that Seyoum was waiting in the laundry room of her Alexandria apartment building when he heard her pass by.
They say he confronted Cross in her apartment and hit her several times with a wrench. Then, they say, he covered her head with a plastic bag and secured it with duct tape.
Police told the court that on the afternoon of Sept. 7, Seyoum called 911. Officers found him inside his apartment, bloody. They say he tried to take his own life. At the hospital, police said Seyoum opened up.
"He said he did something bad today,” Officer James Young testified. "He said, 'I may have murdered a woman today.'"
But why? That's what Cross' dozen or so supporters want to know. They showed up at the Alexandria courthouse wearing purple in solidarity.
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Police testified that Seyoum told them he'd gotten into a fight with his mother two days prior. Detective Thomas Buckley testified that Seyoum told him he was angry with the world and that “the next person that intimidates me is going to get it."
Prosecutors say, for some reason, Cross was that "next person".
Attorneys for Seyoum pointed out that their client was hearing voices at the time of the Cross' murder. It's possible that will factor into his defense.
The judge certified the case to move onto a grand jury which is likely to take place next week.
