DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz said he will consider allowing a murder defendant to work while on pretrial release on Oct. 10.
Lamar Wright, 21, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Derrick Thomas on May 2, 2023, on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, NE.
According to court records, Wright was released into home confinement in January 2024.
Defense attorney Sylvia Smith requested that Wright be allowed to work for DoorDash, since he had been compliant since his release.
Both the prosecution and Judge Kravitz voiced concerns about working for DoorDash, as Wright would not have control over where he goes for deliveries. Judge Kravitz did not rule on the request, however, and asked that Smith file a motion so he can consider.
The prosecution also said they are waiting for additional DNA test results to come back. They said that while testing was done before Wright was arrested in 2023, they decided to test new materials in July. They said they anticipate the results to come back in December.
Smith inquired about the reason for new testing and what materials are being tested. Judge Kravitz said he wants the prosecution to explain during another hearing.
Smith further said that the defense intends to conduct independent testing of these materials.
Due to this delay, Judge Kravitz expressed concern about the case’s being ready for the May 2026 trial date.
Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 24 for further discussion,
