DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson delayed a homicide defendant’s sentencing after changing his mind about a guilty plea and as well as requesting new counsel on June 27.
On March 28, Chad Hawthorne, 44, pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Antonio Bassett on May 22, 2017, on the 3900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
In addition, Hawthorne pled guilty to simple assault for his involvement in a stabbing which occurred on June 20, 2018 on the 1900 Block of D Street, SE, at the DC Jail.
Hawethorne was set to be sentenced on June 27, however Judge Dayson stated she had received Hawthorne’s request for new counsel and his attorney, Qui Mieko Judkins, motioned to withdraw from the case.
The prosecution objected saying Hawthorne had already gone through several attorneys in the case.
Additionally, Judge Dayson confirmed with Hawethorne that she received his request to withdraw his guilty plea.
Judge Dayson told Hawthorne that any matters regarding his guilty plea could not be addressed if his request for new counsel was granted.
“You just tell me what you want to do,” said Judge Dayson.
Ultimately, Hawthorne confirmed that he wanted new counsel and Judge Dayson accepted his request.
Parties are slated to reconvene on July 18 to ascertain new counsel.
