A homicide defendant’s attorney requested DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park release a homicide defendant on Sept. 5, because two key witnesses weren’t available.
Navar Rogers, 18, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 15-year-old Zyion Turner. This event occurred on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE on Sep. 2, 2023.
Terrence Austin, Rogers’ attorney, filed a motion for his release, in which he argued two key witnesses are no longer available.
According to Austin, the prosecutor’s case has become “quite thin” and lacking the “why” and “how” for this crime.
Judge Park acknowledged the development but in light of several videos purportedly showing Rogers’ possession and reckless use of guns denied the request for release. One video in particular, in which Rogers reportedly is seen holding a gunnext to a random woman’s head in May of 2023, highlights his continuing dangerousness and inability to be released safely, according to Judge Park and the prosecution.
Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 12.
