Before jury selection began on July 23 for the trial of homicide defendant Vanessa Bonaparte, 34, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied two defense motions.
Bonaparte is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and destruction of property valued at $1,000 or more, in connection to her alleged involvement in the murder of 31-year-old Dwayne Boyd on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE. Boyd sustained two stab wounds to his chest on June 22, 2024, and was pronounced dead when police arrived at the scene.
Defense attorneys Kevann Gardner and Roderick Thompson wanted to ask jurors their feelings and experience with domestic violence during jury selection. Judge Kravitz denied the request, stating that domestic violence is unrelated to Bonaparte’s case.
Judge Kravitz also said the motion, which was filed that morning, was “too late.”
Gardner also argued to prohibit the use of the word “defendant” when referring to Bonaparte throughout trial because he said it lacked respect and could prejudice the jury as to Bonaparte’s guilt.
Judge Kravitz denied this motion, but said his jury instructions would direct jurors to treat Bonaparte with respect and humanity.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 27 to continue jury selection.
