Judge Considers Severing One Suspect in a Multi-Defendant Juvenile Murder Case

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DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs told a juvenile’s attorney she is holding a motion to sever her murder case from four other girls in abeyance during an Aug. 1 hearing.

The juvenile, a 13-year-old girl, is one of five girls aged 12-to-15-years-old charged for their alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 64-year-old Reggie Brown. The incident occurred on Oct. 17, 2023, on the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

She and a 15-year-old girl were arrested on July 18 for their alleged involvement in the incident.

The other three, a 12-year-old and two 13-year-olds, were originally arrested on March 28 and 29 for their alleged involvement.

Eduardo Ferrer, the girl’s attorney, requested she be severed from the group of five,stating that the previously scheduled trial date of Aug. 20, does not permit her defense team time to properly prepare and she “won’t have the defense she deserves” if she’s tried with the rest of the girls.

The prosecution objected stating that as of now, all girls’ cases are joined and should be tried together. They also stated that, although a trial date is scheduled for Aug. 20, it is still unclear if trial will occur.

The prosecutor requested Judge Briggs not make a decision until the trial date, stating that if the trial does occur they can revisit the request to sever at that time. However, she added, if the trial is delayed the girl should be tried with the rest of the group.

Judge Briggs agreed, and stated she would not make a ruling until it is clear whether or not the August trial happens.

The prosecution reminded the defense a plea offer is open until Aug. 19, though the details are unspecified.

Parties for this juvenile are slated to reconvene Aug. 26. The rest of the group is scheduled to appear Aug. 20.