Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

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A homicide defendant was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, and pleaded not guilty to all charges in a June 7 hearing.

Pedro Funes, 34, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Arnold Humberto Solis. The incident occurred on July 26, 2023, on the 2200 block of Champlain Street, NW.

According to court documents, the pair had gotten into an argument outside a liquor store in close proximity to the crime scene. Upon exiting the store, Funes allegedly told Solis, “The next time you say that s**t, I’m going to make sure you leak out your f****g brain.”

The exchange was apparently recorded on video surveillance cameras an hour before Funes is allegedly seen walking with Solis towards the location of the shooting, according to court documents.

At the hearing, Dana Page, Funes’ defense attorney, alerted the court he pleaded not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to return Aug. 23.