Changes to a homicide defendant’s attorney caused delays in setting a trial date during a status hearing on Feb. 24.
Thomas Fields Jr., 37, is being charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, assault with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping while armed, and tampering with physical evidence. He was charged after he allegedly stabbed 24-year-old Marquita Lucas on Aug. 17, 2019, on the 3700 block of Horner Place, SE.
D.C. Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt suggested that counsel set a new trial date.
However, defense attorney Ronald Resetartis brought up several issues that are preventing the trial from happening anytime soon, including D.C. Superior Court Marisa Demeo, the judge who would be presiding over the trial, having no availability for six months.
Resetartis also said Fields would be receiving a new lawyer because he was leaving the case.
All parties agreed that a new trial date should not be set until the new lawyer was officially assigned to the case.
A status hearing was set for March 31.
