Defense Works To Discredit Key Mattapan Murders Witness

Updated February 22, 2012

WBUR Newsroom

Lawyers for the two men accused of murdering a toddler and three other people on a Mattapan street in 2010 are working to discredit a key witness.

Kimani Washington, left, stands with his attorney, John Salsburg, during an arraignment last year. Washington testified again in the Mattapan murders trial on Wednesday. (AP File)

During cross-examination Wednesday, defense attorneys attacked Kimani Washington's history and character, pointing out that he's an admitted liar and violent drunk.

"You spent your days selling drugs, sticking people up, pimping, smoking pot and drinking Rémy Martin cognac and Red Bull, is that correct?" asked defense attorney John Amabile.

"Yes, sir," Washington answered.

Washington also acknowledged that he lied to New Hampshire police about his whereabouts during the shootings. He was arrested there in October 2010.

Defense attorneys say Washington, who has testified against the defendants as part of a plea deal, is lying in order to get a reduced sentence.

Wednesday's cross-examination followed Washington's testimony Tuesday, when he said that he and the two defendants — his cousin, Edward Washington, and Dwayne Moore — targeted a home on Sutton Street to steal drugs and money.

Kimani Washington claimed that Moore went back after the robbery and shot five people. Four of the victims died, including a young mother and her 2-year-old son.

Earlier:

This article was originally published on February 22, 2012.

This program aired on February 22, 2012. The audio for this program is not available.

Mattapan Murders