A defense attorney requested medical attention for a defendant after learning about “inhumane conditions” in the DC Jail before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on July 7.
James Lewis, 47, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a prohibited weapon, and contempt for allegedly killing Brenea Franklin, 30, on Jan. 30, 2021, on the 1100 block of Bellevue Street, SE.
Lewis’ attorney, Mani Golzari, requested a medical alert for Lewis due to the worsening conditions of the DC Jail. Lewis had complained of mold in his cell; loss of taste and smell, which he claimed was unrelated to COVID-19; and inedible food that is unsuitable to his pre-diabetic dietary restrictions. Lewis also noted that the air conditioning in the DC Jail was non-functioning.
“If I had a place to hold defendants other than the DC Jail, I would certainly use it but that’s all we got,” Judge Ryan said, approving Golzari’s request for a medical alert.
Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 12.
