A shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on July 15.
Matthew Murphy, 62, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed in a bias-related hate crime, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in a bias-related hate crime, aggravated assault while armed in a bias-related hate crime, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous crime, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or place of business, and unlawful possession of ammunition. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured a child on Oct. 27, 2025, on the 4900 block of Ayers Place, SE, on the front steps of Saint Luke’s Roman Catholic Church.
According to the indictment, Murphy allegedly committed the shooting based on the victims’ actual or perceived sexual orientation.
The court arraigned Murphy on the charges against him. Diana Yu, his attorney, entered a not guilty plea on Murphy’s behalf, invoking his constitutional rights to a speedy trial and evidence in the case. Yu requested a status hearing before scheduling a trial since she was recently assigned to Murphy’s case.
The prosecution agreed to keep the plea offer open until the next hearing to allow Yu more time to review the case.
Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 21.
