Judge Allows Character-Building Evidence

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.

Donate Now

A DC Superior Court judge allowed the prosecution to present evidence would provide detail to interactions a murder defendant’s had before a man was stabbed. However, defense counsel voiced concern that it would be unfair.

39-year-old Keith Archie is charged with murder in the second-degree while armed. He allegedly stabbed Demond Marcel Rush on the 3600 block of 22nd St., SE in 2017. 

Apparently, Archie allegedly had a profane interaction with his ex-wife and daughter on the night of Rush’s stabbing. During the hearing, Archie’s defense attorneys, Jason Tulley and Sylvia Smith, said that the evidence may wrongfully bias a jury against the defendant. 

On Jan. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ruled that the prosecution would be allowed to present the evidence at trial, citing its importance in establishing Archie’s state of mind during the time period.  

Opening statements for the trial are set to occur on Feb. 3. 

Written by Wyatt Mullins