During the first day of trial Jan. 16, a DC Superior Court judge dismissed jurors to discuss a preliminary issue with the parties.
Marquette Tibbs is charged with first-degree-murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, robbery while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the death of Orlando Silver, III on the 1300 block of Howard Road, SE in 2016.
Judge Todd Edelman brought in the selected jury only to dismiss them a short time later. He told them that he apologized for making them report but that an issue arose that needed to be resolved before trial could start.
He also told them that despite losing a day of trial, he and the parties still expected the trial to finish by Feb. 6.
Judge Edelman also informed the jurors that they did not need to report back to court until Jan. 21 because they do not sit on Friday’s and Monday the courts will be closed in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.
The preliminary issue is expected to be discussed during the afternoon on Jan. 17.
Tibbs’ defense counsel, Jessica Willis, asked Judge Edelman to waive the defendant’s presence because the nature of the preliminary issue is sensitive information.
Her request was granted.
Opening statements for trial are scheduled to begin on Jan. 21.
