DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park told a defendant that she could not turn herself in on a warrant in a different jurisdiction because the paperwork had not been filed in a hearing on Oct. 21.
Lashawn Washington, 34, is charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice for her alleged involvement in the abduction and murder of 25-year-old Chyna Crawford on Oct. 24, 2023. Crawford was last seen on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SW.
During the hearing, the prosecuting attorney notified the court that the defendant had a warrant in a Virginia jurisdiction, but said that she was unable to get in contact with the warrant office.
Defense attorney Sara Kopecki asked if Washington could turn herself in at the Virginia jurisdiction if she were put on GPS monitoring and had a police escort. Park said the warrant office can’t accept Washington until the paperwork goes through.
Because of the jurisdiction issues, Judge Park offered to waive Washington’s presence in future proceedings, noting that it is a “burden” to be transferred back to DC from another jurisdiction. Judge Park ordered Washington to be released to Fairfax County.
Kopecki agreed and waived Washington’s future appearances.
Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 22.
