DC Superior Court Judge Neil Kravitz denied release for a murder defendant at a felony status conference on June 13.
Maurice Ford, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Terrell West, 32, that occurred on Jan. 16 at the unit block of Ridge Square, NW.
Ford’s defense, Kevin O’Sullivan, argued that, due to Ford’s limited criminal history and his prior record of perfect compliance, he should be released as he awaits further proceedings.
The prosecution noted that West’s mother opposed Ford’s release and also commented that the defendant was on the run in a previous case.
O’Sullivan responded that the defendant had no prior relationship with West or his family. O’Sullivan also noted that Ford was in the community for a month after the incident with no further incidents, and he willingly turned himself in.
O’Sullivan argued that Ford’s Sixth Amendment rights had been infringed, as the defendant allegedly refused to see his lawyer, preventing him from exercising his right to representation.
The defense argued that DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park conducted an erroneous analysis of the dangerousness question under the bail statute following a preliminary hearing on April 8. Judge Kravitz was unconvinced and agreed with Judge Park’s assessment.
Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 22.
