United States v. Richard Vereen

Appellant was convicted in the District Court of housebreaking and robbery. 22 D.C.Code § 1801, 2901. He now urges error by the trial judge in (1) refusing to permit appellant’s counsel to testify and (2) instructing the jury on flight.

On January 3, 1967, one Mason was robbed of $68.00 and a set of keys. It is undisputed that appellant rifled Mason’s pockets while another, one “Big Red” Johnson, threatened Mason. Appellant’s defense was coercion. He testified that Johnson induced him to go to Mason’s room on the pretense of getting some paint. 1 Upon entering the apartment, Johnson, who was…