Homicide Defendant Charged with Obstruction, Potentially Delaying Trial

By Elizabeth Bernstein - September 16, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting |

The prosecution alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe that a homicide defendant is being indicted on four additional charges of obstruction of justice. The new developments were announced in a Sept. 13 hearing.

Joshua Allen, 33, is charged with first degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement the fatal shooting of Delonte Johnson, 28, on June 11, 2021 on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to the prosecution, the new charges stem from two incidents when Allen allegedly contacted a witness who was slated to testify in his trial, and asked the person to lie.

The first incident allegedly took place between Dec. 15, 2022 and Jan. 31, 2023 and the prosecution alleges that Allen sent a letter to the witness. The second incident allegedly occurred between June 9 and Aug. 10, 2024 and the prosecution says Allen, who was detained at the time, called the witness from other inmates’ accounts as well as a case manager’s.

Allen’s lawyer, Kevin Robertson, alerted the court that Allen was pleading not guilty to these four counts.

Meanwhile, the defense motioned to consolidate the new charges with Allen’s original ones. The trial is currently set for Oct. 7. The prosecution does not believe it needs to be delayed.

Judge O’Keefe asserted that he needs a few days to consider if the current trial date should stand.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 20.