2020 Homicide Trial Delayed Until 2026

By Natalie Note - September 4, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A homicide defendant’s motion to delay his trial and allow the defense further time to review evidence was granted by DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Aug. 30.

Antoine Turner, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Demetrius Benson on Nov. 3, 2020 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, and 23-year-old Demeitri Anderson on Nov. 29, 2020 on the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE. 

Madalyn Harvey, Turner’s defense attorney,  filed an unopposed motion to continue trial on Aug. 9. Within the motion, the defense said they had begun downloading new evidence on June 28 and as of July 1, the materials were still in the process of being assembled.

According to the parties, the evidence provided is important for the trial, and Harvey argued she wouldn’t have sufficient time to prepare if the trial date was not delayed. 

During the hearing, Judge Raffinan granted the request for a continuance. 

Turner’s new trial was scheduled for May 18, 2026 – more than a year-and-a-half later than his original date. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 22.