DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan released a murder defendant in a 30-year-old case after the prosecution requested more time to gather witnesses during a hearing on June 25.
William Ransford, 61, is charged with first-degree murder and second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal strangulation of Debra McManus, 39, on the 400 block of Trenton Street, SE on Oct. 23, 1993.
According to court documents, Ransford was charged with the decades-old murder after his DNA was allegedly discovered on the decedent’s left sock and under her fingernails.
Ransford’s trial was set to begin June 24, however, the prosecution requested to delay the trial because of conflicts with their witnesses’ availability. The defense attorney, Molly Bunke, had concerns that the prosecution would keep pushing the trial date for lack of preparation or other last-minute complications.
Following the extension of the case, Judge Ryan decided to release Ransford until his next hearing.
The prosecution argued that Ransford has several past convictions for violent crimes, and should remain incarcerated to avoid endangering the public. Prosecutors said that in 2009 Ransford was charged with sexual abuse, in 2018 second-degree robbery, and in 2019 he failed to register as a sex offender.
Bunke informed the court that Ransford was recently diagnosed with cancer, and received a procedure that left him with limited mobility. Bunke claimed that Ransford’s only wish at this point in the case was to finally have it resolved.
Ultimately, Judge Ryan released Ransford to 24-hour home confinement.
Bunke provided the address of Ransford’s brother, where he will stay until his next hearing.
Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 8.
