A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Aug. 22.
Jeremiah Simms, 25, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, attempted robbery while armed, carrying a pistol without license outside home/business, and destruction of property $1000 or more. The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Erik Mewborn, on Sept. 14, 2024, on the 2200 block of Adams Place, NE.
At the hearing, Mani Golzari, Simms’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his right to a speedy trial.
The prosecution filed a motion on Aug. 2, to revoke Simms’ release and place him back into custody citing that he is a danger to the community. Simms’ was released on Jan. 15, and has been under home confinement.
The prosecutor claimed that, as part of Simms’ release conditions, he may not have a firearm. They claimed there is no way of knowing whether or not Simms has a gun. In a motion filed with the court, prosecutors also argued that the indictment, issued by a grand jury, increased the seriousness of Simms’ charges increasing the risk of him fleeing.
Additionally, in the motion, prosecutors argued that eyewitnesses claim to have seen the defendant attempt robbery, the alleged recovery of illegal substances from Simms’ vehicle, and events leading to Mewborn’s death make him a danger to the community.
Golzari claimed that Simms’ has no criminal record, has been compliant, and there is no indication that Simms’ has engaged in behavior dangerous to the community. The defense plans to file an opposition to the prosecution motion.
A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) officer stated that Simms is compliant with release conditions.
Golzari also asked that all Brady information, evidence that may be favorable to the defendant, be turned over. He stated during Simms’ Jan. 8 preliminary hearing the prosecution was ordered to provide all video evidence. Defense lawyers claimed that the prosecution only uploaded 15 minutes of video when they have four or more hours of footage.
The prosecution stated that they have additional video that they will be providing.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 7.
