DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park postponed a murder trial due to a backlog of motions and the need for more preparation, with 229 evidentiary files, 30 witnesses, and several pending rulings still awaiting resolution on Oct. 24.
Julius Worthy, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing and shooting of 36-year-old Orlando Galloway on April 2, 2023, on the 200 block of 14th Street, SE. An adult female victim was also found in the apartment suffering from multiple stab wounds, but survived.
Defense attorney Michael Bruckheim said he was not prepared for trial, which was slated to begin Nov. 10, and did not anticipate being ready in the near future.
Judge Park reminded both parties that he would not be handling the trial itself, as he is assigned to other cases, and that the purpose of the current session was to rule on pending motions. Consequently, the trial will maintain the same date unless the defense discusses the matter with the trial judge, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.
The first motion, filed by the defense, sought to suppress police-worn body camera footage and photographs. Bruckheim argued that he wished to limit the introduction of graphic materials, asking that only images sufficient to convey the prosecution’s point be used, describing his preference as “sanitary.” The prosecution narrowed its selection to 229 files from an initial 500. Judge Park instructed the defense to identify specific images it considers problematic and to confer with the prosecution about potential exclusions.
The prosecution noted that the female complainant in the case will testify. Discussion turned to the defense’s objection to the inclusion of a 911 call. Judge Park ruled that certain parts of the recording must be heard, including the defendant’s flat tone and lack of surprise, which could be signficant evidence. However, statements describing gunshots or someone being shot may be redacted as hearsay, since the victim was stabbed. The motion was otherwise denied.
The prosecution filed a motion in limine–at the beginning of trial–to exclude specific evidence or arguments, the night before the hearing concerning drug testing and related testimony. Judge Park requested more time to deliberate, while the defense asked for a week to file a response. The judge said he would issue his ruling after reviewing both sides’ submissions to avoid unnecessary delays.
The parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 4.
