A man who was charged with first-degree murder died April 13 while being hospitalized for the coronavirus.
The DC Department of Corrections (DC DOC)) announced that Deon Crowell died while in DC DOC custody. The DC DOC is still collecting and verifying information on the death.
Crowell, 51, was charged with first-degree murder while armed for a murder that was especially heinous or cruel for allegedly stabbing Joni Rockingham, 53, on the 300 block of 34th Street, NE in 2017. He was scheduled for a status hearing in May, according to DC Courts. Crowell was being held without bail in the Correctional Treatment Facility.
According to the DC DOC’s press release, Crowell, 51, passed away from complications inflicted by the virus during the morning hours. He was hospitalized on April 7 after testing positive for COVID-19 and experiencing respiratory problems.
His attorney, Elizabeth Weller, filed an emergency motion for release from custody in March, according to DC Courts. According to the motion, Crowell suffered from diabetes and other health risks from his illness.
The prosecution filed an opposition to the defense’s motion for release on April 9.
