Defense Discusses Possible Continuance Due to Jury Selection Litigation in Homicide Case

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Defense Attorney Imeime Umana discussed a possible trial continuance in an April 19 hearing due to her role in a jury selection litigation.

Rashon Hall, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the murder of Joseph Simmons, 22, on Jan. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue SE.

Simmons was shot twice in the left side of his back, once in the middle of his back, and once in his finger. According to court documents, Hall allegedly shot Simmons and then jumped into a blue Honda Accord that sped away.

The prosecution conceded no interpretable DNA was found on any of the physical evidence tested from the Honda. 

Umana said she does not want to test any other evidence items or retest.

Attorneys have been litigating alleged disproportionate Black representation on jury panels since 2021. Umana said she is unsure if matters will be settled before the trial date, Jan. 3, 2024.

A status hearing to discuss updates is scheduled for Oct. 15.