Judge Denies Defense Motions Before Trial

By Isabella Quink [former] - March 23, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A judge denied defense attorneys Rachel McCoy and Stephen Logerfo motions to suppress evidence the day before jury selection in a homicide case.

Jermaine Washington, 39, is being charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection to the stabbing of Keon Terell Bonner, 40. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Ogden Street, NW and 3500 block of Center Street, NW on Oct. 26, 2021.

The parties had a motion hearing before jury selection March 21 to discuss the suppression of statements from Washington in an interview and a photo line-up identification of Washington from a witness.

The witness who made a positive identification of Washington had an unobstructed view of the incident as well as both parties involved.

McCoy and Logerfo argued that the identification conditions were suggestive. 

However, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)  detective, who issued the identification, said he had no prior knowledge of the case before the process.

In addition, a motion to suppress statements made by Washington was filed by McCoy and Logerfo in regards to a conversation between Washington and two MPD detectives at Washington’s residence on Nov. 7, 2021. 

The attorneys argued that the conversation could have been interpreted by Washington that he was under arrest due to its suggestive nature, and he was not read his Miranda rights.

The lead detective that talked to Washington said it was a casual conversation, no firearms were visible or used to intimidate Washington, the detectives were not wearing officer uniforms, and no one  touched or arrested Washington at all during the conversation.

Logerfo questioned why an officer with a body-worn camera that could have recorded the conversation did not accompany the detectives when they visited Washington. 

“If you wanna question my integrity that’s fine but my word is the truth,” the detective said.

Both motions were denied by DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz. 

Jury selection is slated to begin March 22.