Even though a jury voted by seven-to-five to acquit George Sutton, 46, of murder-related charges, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ruled he needs to stay in jail, at least for now.
The judge said she wants to see a more targeted plan before releasing Sutton. Initially, during the Dec. 18 bond review hearing, Judge Brandt seemed inclined to let Sutton go after she declared a mistrial following a hung jury on Dec. 15.
“In the court’s mind, the evidence is a 50-50 circumstantial case. There’s room in that evidence for reasonable doubt,” said Judge Brandt. “The jury spoke,”continued the judge, “and that has weight.” Further, “He [Sutton] is cloaked in the presumption of innocence.”
Sutton is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old John Coleman on May 1, 2023 on the 2000 block of M Street, NE. Coleman suffered from three gunshot wounds to his neck, knee, and thigh.
Sutton’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, argued that Sutton’s already been held in the case for two years and isn’t expected to go to trial until 2027. He pointed out that Sutton has been married for 28 years and his wife would allow him to come home. Further, he’s been employed by the DC Government.
The hearing’s tone changed when Coleman’s mother delivered a victim impact statement claiming that Sutton’s “entourage” in the courtroom made her feel uneasy during the trial, as a person behind her kept cracking his knuckles.
“I don’t feel safe,” she said of Sutton being in her neighborhood. She accused Sutton of being a drug dealer and a sex offender.
Judge Brandt was surprised by the information and checking court records found a related misdemeanor, but no mention that he was a registered sex offender.
The prosecutor, meanwhile, argued vigorously for detention, noting this was the third time probable cause had been found that Sutton committed the murder.
“We have a plethora of prior convictions,” stated the prosecutor about Sutton’s record going back to 1999 including escape from prison and multiple probation violations.
“Our case gets weaker over time,” the prosecutor warned.
Judge Brandt expressed frustration over the crowded trial calendar, exclaiming, “All I want for Christmas is to get this case tried in 2026.”
She told the parties to come back on Jan. 16 with a new plan to handle the case or face another release hearing.
