Defense Needs Evidence, Judge Says

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 2, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

On July 2, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ordered that evidence be provided to the defense by July 10.

Costello Coleman is charged with armed robbery.

The day before, Coleman, 19, met with the victim on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE. The victim had planned to sell a laptop to the defendant via the “Let Go” application. When the victim arrived, Coleman said he had no money., according to court documents.

On Coleman’s request, the victim drove the defendant to two different ATMs. The defendant entered the banks and said he was unable to get money. He then asked for a ride back to the location where they originally met. 

Coleman allegedly brandished a firearm from the backseat and held it against the victim’s head. He demanded the victim hand over his laptop and a duffle bag, which contained another laptop and around $2,000. 

When Coleman left the vehicle, the victim sped off in a panic. The victim flagged down a Metropolitan Police Department officer.

The victim provided the officer with the phone number he used to arrange the meeting earlier that day. Officers searched the number in a law enforcement database and found that the owner of the phone number had listed Coleman as a relative.

The victim identified the defendant in a nine-person color photo array, saying he was “very confident” that it was the person who robbed him.

A search warrant was issued for Coleman’s home on May 1. Police forcibly entered Coleman’s house and detained him. They found a duffle bag with $2,000 cash, a pistol and ammunition in his bedroom. 

During the arrest, Coleman said he had COVID-19 and was taken to a hospital. He later admitted this statement was a lie meant to delay his arrest. 

Judge Todd Edelman denied Coleman’s motion for release based on COVID-19 because he said the defendant is a threat to the community. 

The prosecution is open to offering a plea deal to the defendant. 

Another hearing is scheduled for July 13 to discuss Coleman’s release status.