Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

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A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges on Aug. 2 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Christopher Patrick Haynes, 31, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, carrying a pistol without a license and escaping from an officer for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Brent Hayward, 33.

The incident occurred on Aug. 12, 2023, on the 1500 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE. A second individual sustained non-life threatening injuries.

At the hearing, Haynes’ attorney, Nikki Lotze, alerted the court his client was pleading not guilty to all indictment charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to meet back Nov. 8.