Murder Trial Halted A Second Day Due to Jury Illness

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DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun delayed an ongoing murder trial for the second day on Aug. 6 because a juror is sick.

Antonio Murchison, 31, and his co-defendant Mark Price, 29, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, 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 in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. The highly publicized crime left ten-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds.

Judge Okun postponed the proceeding until Aug. 7, in hopes the ill juror will be able to return to court and testimony can resume.

The prosecution alerted the court of a potential matter involving the Public Defender Service (PDS). Namely, a key witness may be asserting his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Judge Okun ordered a status hearing with PDS for Aug. 7 to reach a determination.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Aug. 7.