DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan maintained the release order of a murder defendant, adding drug testing to the conditions of release on Oct. 21. The case is now in its third decade
William Ransford, 62, is charged with first-and-second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal strangulation of Debra McManus, 39, on the 400 block of Trenton Street, SE on Oct. 23, 1993.
The probationary show cause hearing focused on Ransford’s release from the DC jail to 24-hour home confinement.
The prosecution objected to the release due to the severity of the charges filed against the defendant, the defendant’s criminal history, and the feelings of the victim’s family about the defendant being free while awaiting trial on a serious murder charge.
Defense attorney Molly Bunke claimed that due to the defendant’s serious medical and mental health issues, being released was in the best interest of maintaining his health so he could start substance abuse treatment and receive adequate medical care before his upcoming trial in January 2027.
In September, Ransford checked into Federal City Recovery Services for treatment, but GPS monitoring issues persisted. Judge Ryan noted Ransford had been on probation in Maryland and the probation had been terminated in September.
There was some confusion as to why the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) had noted he is not eligible for intensive outpatient treatment after being released from Federal City.
A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative and his case worker had to be called to the hearing to clarify which caused a significant delay in the proceedings of the day.
They clarified he was initially ineligible for a step-down program, but that was inaccurate and there would be a possibility for outpatient treatment and transitional housing while he was released through the Pathways Program.
The prosecution argued Ransford still had some issues adhering to the release conditions since he had violated his home confinement order by leaving for multiple hours during the day and seeking unverified medical treatment.
Bunke argued he was seeking medical care on his own since he had no cell phone to call for help. Bunke also claimed once he was able to find medical treatment he had been transferred to a new facility and had no way to reach his brother since he was living with him during his release.
His case worker still recommended the revocation of release for violation of the terms. .
Ransford is said to have a narcotic relapse while in a medical treatment facility, which would also be a violation.
For these reasons, the prosecution maintained their objection to his release and highlighted because of his relapse, if he was to stay released, he should be ordered by the court to be drug tested. She asked for him to be returned to custody of the Bureau of Prisons.
Judge Ryan said “this is a complex case,” and so far the failure to adhere to the conditions of his release “has not resulted in community safety issues.”
The court ruled his release order will be upheld as long as Ransford complies with the medical, mental health, and monitoring conditions imposed.
Drug testing was added as a release due to the relapse Ransford history and any positive tests will be a violation of the release order.
Parties are slated to reconvene for a probation show cause hearing on Dec. 12.
