Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Murdering Neighbor After Grill Dispute

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Irv Duff Jr. pleaded not guilty through his defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, at his arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Aug. 2.

Duff, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in the death of Darnell Gibson, 26, on Aug. 1, 2023, on the unit block of Forrester Street, SW.

According to court documents, Gibson was fatally shot while confronting a man who had knocked over his barbecue grill. The sounds of 23 gunshots were detected at the scene of the incident.

The trial is scheduled for April 8, 2025.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 7.