Homicide Co-Defendant's Motion to Sever Granted

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DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, at an Aug. 30 hearing, granted a homicide defendant’s request to sever from her co-defendant in order to have him testify in her trial.

Tamera Brown, 28, and Robert Baskerville, 31, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Darron Holmes II, which occurred on April 16, 2022 at 1236 Southern Avenue, SE.

Brown also faces two counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person, assault with intent to kill while armed, and obstruction of justice. Baskerville also faces conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license.

During the hearing, Judge Epstein denied Baskerville’s pending motion to sever on the grounds that a jury would naturally separate evidence and charges against the defendants while separate trials would only extend the process.

After confirming denial of the original motion to sever, however, Brown’s attorney, Brian McDaniel, filed their own motion to sever, arguing that they would like Brown’s trial to be after Baskerville’s so that Baskerville would be available as a witness.

Judge Epstein asked both defense teams to discuss the implications of granting Brown’s motion over headset, out of earshot from the prosecution and the rest of the court, and afterwards granted the motion with the caveat that Baskerville, even if convicted, would testify in Brown’s trial.

Brown is expected to return Oct. 25.

Baskerville’s trial is slated to begin Sept. 17.

Homicide Co-Defendant’s Motion to Sever Granted