Judge Orders Release of Murder Defendant

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 19, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Juveniles | Suspects | Victims |

During a felony status conference on Feb. 18, a judge ordered the release of a murder defenedant. 

J’Whan Devontae Simpson, 17, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting Domonique Franklin on the 200 block of M Street, SW, on Aug. 30, 2019. Simpson is being tried as an adult, and is also being tried for larceny in Virginia.

Simpson’s defense attorney, Rachel Cicurel, filed a motion requesting Simpson’s release to the high intensity supervision program (HISP), where Simpson would live with his grandmother. Cicurel argued for release on the grounds of consistently good behavior and a track record of full compliance with previous orders. The prosecution did not object. 

DC Superior Court Judge Juliet Mckenna ordered that Simpson be released to under HISP on the condition of a 21-day home confinement period. During the period, Simpson is to remain at his grandmother’s home except for reporting to court, and traveling to and from school. Simpson is required to wear a GPS tracking device.

In the event that Simpson is in full compliance with the terms of the 21-day confinement period, the defense would request to lessen the defendant’s curfew constraints.

A felony status conference is slated to occur on March 13. 

Written by Wyatt Mullins