Judge Holds Defendant in Domestic Homicide

By Caroline Sagristano [former] - April 18, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Presentments | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo held a homicide defendant in custody during an initial hearing on April 12. 

Charles Terry, 58, was charged with second-degree murder during a domestic incident on Jan. 30 on the 1500 Block of Anacostia Avenue, NE. Terry is accused of killing his wife, 39-year-old Lennette Clark, by allegedly beating her while their children were in the house. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the scene,  according to court documents, and located Clark suffering from apparent trauma. Clark was declared dead at the scene.

Defense attorney Jonathan Armstrong argued there was lack of probable cause in the case, mentioning that the medical examiner had not officially determined Clark’s cause of death to be a homicide. He also argued that the two witnesses present in the house, at the time of the incident, who are both juveniles, were influenced by statements from another adult witness.

The prosecution argued the nature of Clark’s injuries suggest a homicide and witness statements are consistent. The prosecutor also said a bloody shirt found at the residence would link Terry to the victim. 

Judge Demeo found probable cause the evidence indicated the defendant was responsible for the murder.

Armstrong asked Judge Demeo to release Terry.

He said the defendant does not have a violent history and would have a place to go if released. 

The prosecution countered  that the defendant’s criminal history is violent, including  burglary and  grand larceny. The prosecutor also said the murder was particularly brutal.

Judge Demeo held Terry without bail. She said the evidence in the case is quite strong and the case is particularly concerning given Terry’s relationship with Clark.

Terry is scheduled to return to court on May 3.