Defense Requests Another Hearing Shortly Before Trial Date to Confirm Witnesses  Appear

By Christopher Sivak [former] - February 24, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Sex Abuse | Sexual Assault | Suspects | Victims |

During a trial readiness hearing on Feb. 24, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo granted the defense’s request for another hearing shortly before trial to confirm that the subpoenaed witnesses would appear.

A defendant, 33, is charged with first-degree sexual abuse under aggravating circumstances while armed, a civil protection order violation, attempted first-degree sexual abuse under aggravating circumstances while armed, kidnapping while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly kidnapping and raping an unknown victim on April 18 and 19, 2022, on the 500 block of Atlantic Street, SE.

During the hearing, defense attorney Donna Beasley requested to have one more hearing before the start of trial because the witnesses she subpoenaed have previously failed to show. Judge Demeo granted the request for a hearing a week from Friday.

Judge Demeo also mentioned that she had sent counsel questions for which she expects to use during the jury selection process. The prosecution had a few changes and they were addressed to the court.

The prosecution added three questions, including whether or not the juror or a family member had training in the medical field regarding medicine, if a family member had medical training or knowledge in the area of asphyxiation, and if a witness having immunity would make their testimony difficult for a juror to believe.

Judge Demeo accepted the first two questions, and denied the third one, saying it would be inappropriate to ask.

The prosecution plans to also have two expert witnesses on March 8 and the defense will call two witnesses during the trial.

The parties are scheduled to return for a trial readiness hearing on March 3.