Judge Denies Triple Homicide Defendant’s Request for Release

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DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a homicide defendant’s request for release, deeming her a danger to the community, during a June 5 hearing.

Nakita Walker, 44, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder for allegedly crashing into a car occupied by Mohamed Kamara, 43, Johnathan Alberto Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22, on March 15, 2023, on Rock Creek Parkway near the intersection of 26th Street and P Street, NW. Walker is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and fleeing from an officer.

According to court documents, Walker was originally stopped by a police officer for recklessly driving on Rock Creek Parkway, before she allegedly fled the stop and crashed into the vehicle occupied by the victims. Walker’s blood alcohol level was reported to be well beyond the legal limit.

During the hearing, Albert Amissah, Walker’s defense attorney, requested she be released to 24-hour home confinement with GPS monitoring to allow her to access health care for injuries sustained during the incident.

“I’ve had enough time to reflect,” Walker told Judge Okun, stating that during the year of incarceration she has had limited access to the resources she needs to help her heal.

“I do my best,” she stated, adding “I’ve kept my head up and I know I’d do well in home confinement.”

“I suffered severe injuries through this accident as well,” she claimed, requesting he release her.

However, prosecutors objected to the request, stating that Walker was on probation for two prior driving under the influence (DUI) offenses at the time of the incident. She also stated the defendant knowingly fled a traffic stop in the minutes leading up to the crash.

Judge Okun sided with the prosecution, stating that he’s “pleased to hear” she’s participating in multiple programs at the jail, but that the circumstances of the incident, and her prior convictions, prove she continues to be a danger to the community.

Following Judge Okun’s ruling, Amissah told Judge Okun “she really just wants proper treatment,” and argued she had a valid license at the time of the crash but no longer.

“She almost hit and killed the police officer” before killing Kamara, Cabrera Mendez, and Torres Velasquez, Judge Okun retorted.

Parties are slated to return July 26.