Homicide Defendant Asks to Represent Himself

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After being found competent to stand trial on July 19, a stabbing defendant requested on Sept. 24 that DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo let him defend himself in court.

Matthew Walker, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 23-year-old Jamal Green-Lee on the 100 block of Michigan Avenue, NE on April 29, 2019. Green-Lee died on Nov. 4, 2020, due to his injuries.

Walker was also found guilty in a non-jury trial of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence among other charges for his involvement in the fatal shooting of David Remen, 32, on Feb. 14, 2019, on the 1700 block Hamlin Street, NE. One other individual sustained severe injuries in the attack.

Stephen Lofergo, Walker’s attorney, said he and his client had the opportunity to review a report filed by the DC Department of Behavioral Health and had no objections to it. He said Walker wanted to resolve this matter without going to trial and wished to represent himself in future proceedings with Lofergo as his advisor.

Judge Demeo said she will need to discuss Walker’s rights including waiving his right to an attorney.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 4.