DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt spoke with parties in a homicide trial about the impact of a potential federal government shutdown on the ongoing trial on Sept. 30.
Reginald Steele, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, 10 counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, and five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm.
These charges stem from Steele’s alleged involvement in four separate shootings, including the murder of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes and injury of another juvenile on March 1, 2020 on the 600 block of S Street, NW. Steele is accused of a separate shooting the same day on the unit block of Channing Street, NE. There were no reported injuries.
The other incidents include a non-fatal shooting that injured two individuals on Feb. 22, 2020 on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW, and a non-fatal shooting that injured three on Feb. 24, 2020 on the 1700 block of 9th Street, NW.
Steele’s trial that began a month ago, was slated to continue this week, but questions arose about the possible impact of a federal government shutdown on the trial after parties received a preemptive note from a juror. The missive informed the court that in the event of a government shutdown the juror may be involved in shutdown procedures for an affected agency.
A prosecutor said the shutdown procedures may take three-to-four hours, but it’s unclear how much of an impact it would have on the trial.
After polling the jury, the court determined that 11 among 18 jurors are federal employees in some capacity. Even though only one juror submitted a note anticipating the government shutdown’s impact on jury attendance, Judge Brandt felt as though there likely will be more personnel disruptions if legislators aren’t able to come to a last minute budget deal.
Commenting on the ambiguous situation, Judge Brandt questioned what “the kindergarteners on the hill” will do.
Parties are set to resume the trial on Oct. 1, but anticipate delays.
