DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson delayed scheduling a trial for a homicide defendant during a June 4 hearing after concerns over health-related issues stalled the case.
Robert Henson, 45, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a conviction. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Richard Lee Dudley on Dec. 10, 2018 on the 2500 block of Elvans Road, SE.
During the hearing, defense attorney David Knight appeared on Henson’s behalf. Henson, who appeared remotely via Webex, is seeking accommodations due to ongoing health concerns.
The court addressed a prior request made to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator at the DC Jail for a hospital bed and special mattress during trial proceedings.
Judge Dayson said the ADA found the hospital bed request unreasonable, stating that the only reasonable accommodations they can provide is a dedicated space, a bathroom, and a shift in trial schedule. The defense maintained that the bed and mattress are critical to Henson’s well-being, but the judge reiterated that the ADA would not approve the request.
Judge Dayson proposed holding another hearing with Henson’s healthcare provider present via Webex. She said she wanted his healthcare provider to clarify the medical timeline, noting that the court continues to run into the same limitations at every hearing.
The next status hearing is scheduled for June 20.
