A murder defendant’s defense attorney argued for his release before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 1.
Juan Adams, 40, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Michael Hansley on Dec. 2, 2023, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.
Adams’ defense attorney, Rachel Cicurel, filed an emergency motion for Adams’ immediate release from detention. She cited that the extreme summer heat and the lack of air conditioning in the DC Jail posed serious physical health issues for Adams. Cicurel also mentioned that the recent rise in jail stabbings has caused him to fear for his life.
Cicurel explained that the defendant has a wife and newborn child to support. Adams’ wife is allegedly struggling to take care of her healthcare needs because she cannot afford childcare. Cicurel also expressed concerns that Adams’ family may lose housing due to the defendant’s name being on the lease of their apartment.
His lawyer also noted that the defendant has taken steps to better himself by completing anger management classes, learning CPR, doing career exploration, and learning construction management through jail programming.
Cicurel argued for Adams to be placed in 24-hour home confinement. She insisted that the conditions of the DC Jail have frightened him into compliance with release.
Judge Ryan, while sympathetic to the defendant’s struggles, maintained the detention. He cited that the conditions of Adams’ release don’t take his personal situation into consideration. The judge is a frequent critic of the jail and said he wished Adams could be sent somewhere else.
Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 21.
