A murder defendant pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Oct. 10.
Maurice Ford, 34, is charged with first-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Terrell West, 32, that occurred on Jan. 16 at the unit block of Ridge Square, NW.
In addition to pleading not guilty, Ford’s defense attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, asserted Ford’s rights to a speedy trial and requested evidence in discovery from the prosecution.
O’Sullivan said they intend to conduct independent testing of DNA evidence once the prosecution’s results are turned over to them.
Parties also set a trial date of March 15, 2027.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 21.
