Murder, Conspiracy Trial Delayed by Co-Defendant’s Absence in Court

By Sofia Feigelson [former] , Jacob Quill [former] - June 11, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun further delayed a homicide trial due to the “involuntary absence” of one of the co-defendants during a June 11 hearing. 

Mark Price, 29, and Antonio Murchison, 31, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting on July 16, 2018 on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE. The incident left 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds. 

Additionally, Price is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, threat to injure or kidnap a person, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and first-degree burglary while armed. These separate charges come from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018 on the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE. 

According to a US Marshal that interacted with Price on the transport bus from DC Jail to the courthouse, Price stated that he was feeling ill. The US Marshal stated that their policy is to not force defendants off the bus, since medical aid cannot be provided at the courthouse. 

Price’s defense attorney, Megan Allburn, also stated that she had received a voicemail during court proceedings from Price at DC Jail. He stated that he had intended to come to court, but had a migraine.  

Judge Okun ruled that Price’s absence was not voluntary, so the motions hearing, jury selection and trial will all be postponed another day. 

The parties are slated to resume on June 12.