21-year-old murder suspect met DC lawyer through Craigslist, court documents say

The documents were released Thursday afternoon before a court appearance for 21-year-old Jamyra Gallmon, who is now charged with first degree murder while armed. Gallmon pleaded not guilty through her attorney who told the judge the stabbing was a result of an "imperfect self defense." Gallmon is being held without bond.

According to the court documents, Messerschmitt used the email address dcguy456@gmail.com to post an ad on Craigslist soliciting other men. Detectives say the suspect used the Craigslist username "chrissanchez0906" to communicate with the victim. Messerschmitt, who was married to a woman, told the individual to meet him at the Donovan Hotel the night of February 9.

After h er arrest, Gallmon spoke to police. She admitted to going to the hotel that night with the intention of robbing the victim. According to the court documents, Gallmon said she walked into the hotel room and quickly turned to walk out when Messerschmitt got off the bed and grabbed her. Gallmon told police this caused a flashback to a memory of when she was assaulted.

At that point, the suspect told police that Messerschmitt started fighting with her. She pulled a knife, according to the court documents, and stabbed the victim seven times, including one wound that went through his heart.

According to the court documents, Gallmon said she stole Messerschmitt's SmartTrip Metro card. Cash was also taken, police said.

Police identified Gallmon through their investigation as the person of interest in the surveillance video who entered the hotel and walked up the stairwell to the fourth floor at around 7:44 p.m. on February 9.

Police say email and cell phone records connect the suspect to the crime.

Police executed a search warrant at Gallmon's apartment on Wednesday and found numerous pieces of evidence related to the murder, which included a folding pocket knife, black boots and black gloves. Detectives also found a pack of small multi-colored zip ties similar to ones found on Messerschmitt's fingers at the hotel room. Court documents say Gallmon admitted to bringing the zip ties to the hotel room, but denied using them.

Gallmon's family was present in court Thursday afternoon, but they did not speak to reporters.

A preliminary hearing for Gallmon has been scheduled for April 10.

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