DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld rescheduled a carjacking trial on April 27 since she won’t be in court on the date previously set.
Orlin Lemus-Cruz, 21, is charged with armed carjacking, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of robbery while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction less than a year. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in an incident that took place on the 3100 block of Hiatt Place, NW, on March 26, 2025.
According to court records, Lemus-Cruz’s former co-defendants Julio Villafranco, 21, and Jason Benitez-Umanzor, 26, were convicted for their involvement in the same incident in other jurisdictions.
The prosecution stated for the record that the case’s co-defendants are held outside of DC despite Judge Hertzfeld’s efforts to keep them in DC.
During the hearing, Judge Hertzfeld requested that the trial date originally scheduled for June 22 be rescheduled forJune 29. There was no opposition.
However, the prosecution raised concerns regarding the expert notice motion filed on April 25 by the defense–a day later than the deadline. They also stated that the notice was not signed by the expert witness and needed additional information.
Judge Hertzfeld ordered the prosecution to file its motion by May 4, and Quiana Harris, Lemus-Cruz’s attorney, will have until May 11 to respond.
Parties are slated to reconvene on May 15.
