DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied release for a first-degree murder suspect with a criminal past in a detention hearing on June 17.
Rico Barnes, 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the bludgeoning and strangling of 40-year-old Syed Hussain on the 1400 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW on Feb. 11, 2026.
“This is an extremely strong case against Mr. Barnes,” said the prosecution, who requested that Barnes remain detained.
Prosecutors noted that Barnes’ mother allegedly identified him at the scene of the incident after showing her surveillance footage from the night of the crime. According to the prosecution, there is “no question of identity” in this case because Barnes did not deny that he was the individual in that footage.
The prosecution also noted Barnes’ “lengthy” criminal history, which began in his youth, as further grounds for detention. His record includes serious crimes like “breaking into the sanctity of peoples’ homes” in two Arizona burglaries from 2019, according to the prosecution.
Aside from the two burglaries, Barnes’ attorney Carrie Weletz said that most of Barnes’ offenses are “petty misdemeanors” from over a decade ago. She argued that the “very dated” record should not prevent Barnes from being released.
Barnes would benefit from release, said Weletz, because of his “severe mental health conditions.” She told the court that Barnes’ mother already agreed to support him and secure mental health services for him upon release.
While recognizing Weletz’s concern for Barnes’ wellbeing, Judge Kravitz noted that Barnes is already receiving mental health treatment in jail. Judge Kravitz asked Weletz to “keep a close watch on this” and notify him if Barnes has any issues getting medical attention while detained.
Judge Kravitz granted the prosecution’s request for continued detention because of the strong evidence of Barnes’ involvement in the crime and his criminal record. “We’re not talking about someone who’s a first-time offender,” said Kravitz.
A status hearing with Barnes’ co-defendant, Alphonso Walker, 39, is scheduled on August 28.
