US Marshals alerted DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur that a homicide defendant was unable to show up for his June 4 hearing due to a broken wheelchair ramp in the courthouse.
Desmond Barr Jr., 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree theft, and destruction of property less than $1000, for his alleged involvement in the death of Ambria Farmer, 20. The incident occurred on July 13, 2024 on the 3600 block of F Street, SE.
Barr is paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair.
According to court documents, Farmer’s body was found in Fort Dupont Park, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Shatia Penn, 25, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property, for her alleged involvement in stabbing Farmer.
Their hearing was rescheduled due to the court’s wheelchair ramp being out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Barr is confined to a wheelchair.
ADA compliant means a space, either private or public, needs to be designed as to be accessible to people with disabilities so that they can access and utilize benefits without discrimination or impediments. Physical spaces need to include features such as ramps, or accessible doorways and bathrooms.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene July 7.
