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D.C. Witness Staff
- March 3, 2021
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The prosecution expects to call 90-95 witness during what is anticipated to be a nine to 10 week murder trial for two co-defendants.
Ronnika Jennings, the former civilian Metropolitan Police Department member, and Derek Turner are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 28 year-old Andrew McPhatter. On March 1, 2017, McPhatter was found on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He succumbed to his injuries four days later.
Turner, 29, is also charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 24 year-old Devin Hall on Jan. 7, 2017, on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE.
The co-defendants are linked through Jennings’ alleged participation in disseminating classified MPD information to Turner.
During the March 3 hearing, parties struggled to find dates that could accommodate the trial’s expected length.
Judge Michael Ryan decided to set aside Aug. 26 through Oct. 21, 2022, for the trial and March 7 and 8, 2022, for jury selection.
Turner’s defense attorney, Michael Madden, said there are three unresolved motions and the prosecution said they expect resolutions to take a couple days. Judge Ryan ultimately scheduled motions hearings for June 18, July 9, and July 16, 2021.
Turner has 30 additional charges that consist of a third first-degree murder charge, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Jennings has 31 additional charges that consist of conspiracy, accessory after the fact, assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.