DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt lavished praise on murder suspect Howard Fritts, 59, in a hearing on Dec. 12.
“I’m so proud of you,” said the judge to Fritts, lauding his employment as a contract worker and congratulating him for getting married.
His attorney, Jessica Willis, said her client is “doing phenomenally.”
Fritts is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a violent argument with Charlie Miller, 46, on May 29, 2022, on the 900 block of 9th Street, NW.
According to court documents, Fritts allegedly shot Miller in the head after inflicting injuries to his elbows, knees and face and cutting his forehead. When Fritts spoke with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers after his arrest on June 1, 2022, he said he got into a physical fight after he asked Miller to stop recording him on his phone.
Fritts denied shooting Miller, saying he had never “shot a gun a day in his life.”
Miller was released under high intensity supervision (HISP) in July, 2022. In October of that year the court granted Fritts permission to travel to help his family, due to his total compliance with release conditions.
Another court report said Fritts had been in full compliance with his release conditions in May of 2023. Other than a minor slip up in January 2024, Fritts has continued to abide by his release terms.
Meanwhile, the case against him is proceeding. The prosecutor said she plans to call as many as 20 witnesses in a trial that could last a week-and-a-half. Fritts appeared remotely wearing a buttoned up blue shirt but remained silent throughout the hearing.
Judge Brandt said the defendant is not the same person who appeared before her initially. “His evolution is remarkable.”
Fritts jury trial is set for Oct. 28, 2026.
