Judge Finds Probable Cause Shelter Murder

By Joseph Wolf - November 27, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found probable cause for a murder defendant’s case to proceed on Nov. 25.

Kevin Johnson, 38, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the murder of Antonio Woody, 44. The incident transpired on the 1700 block of Lincoln Road, NE on Oct. 6. 

According to court documents, Woody sustained five stab wounds and later succumbed to his injuries.

The murder took place right outside a homeless shelter operated by the Department of Human Services (DHA) where both Johnson and Woody were residents, according to court documents. After the stabbing, video footage depicts the suspect disposing of something into a storm drain, and after the item’s recovery–it was believed to be the victim’s cellphone.

According to an individual at the crime scene, hours before the murder, Johnson threatened to tip over Woody’s wheelchair and was jumped by passers-by to defend Woody.

During the hearing, the prosecution called the lead detective on the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who also identified Johnson in court and stated he was the suspect from the scene of the incident.

The detective adopted the affidavit as his own testimony stating that two individuals saw the stabbing while two other individuals were responsible for allowing Johnson to enter the facility after checking him for weapons and signing him into the building.

Furthermore, he testified that one of the security officers noticed suspected blood on Johnson’s pants after allowing Johnson access to the shelter. The lead detective asked the security officer whether the blood raised any red flags, and the security officer said he thought nothing of it.

The other two witnesses who saw the incident transpire were able to identify Johnson from the scene, according to the detective. Upon questioning, one witness stated “Kevin did it,” and another witness said someone tall committed the act, noting Johnson’s stature, which is six feet and eight inches.

On cross examination, Johnson’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, emphasized the fact that a knife was never recovered from Johnson’s or at the scene and also that Woody never texted anyone about Johnson’s alleged prior behavior toward him. Additionally, there is no way of knowing when Johnson checked himself into the shelter for the night, Weller argued.

The detective was also asked why he did not look into the fact that Johnson was attacked, to which he responded that he is not investigating that crime and the two events are unrelated. Weller also noted that everyone around the murder incident thought Johnson was punching Woody. 

The defense conceded that probable cause existed, however, asked Judge Okun to release Johnson, citing his mental health issues and the fact this is her client’s first time being charged with a homicide.

The prosecution objected, arguing he has two prior gun-related convictions, drug possession with intent to distribute convictions, and the allegation he attacked a handicapped person who was vulnerable.

Judge Okun agreed with the prosecution, and detained Johnson based on the strong evidence against him.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 21, 2025.