Judge Schedules Further Hearing for Firearms Defendant

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On July 29, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a further hearing for a firearms defendant.

Muhammad Byrd, 21, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction after a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) saw his Instagram live video, which featured another man, later identified as Tyrik Williams, holding a gun. An arrest warrant for Byrd and Williams was issued on May 28 for their arrest as a result of an MPD investigation.

Jason Kalafat, Byrd’s attorney, said he had not spoken to Williams’ attorney prior to the hearing on July 29 because he assumed the co-defendants would be scheduled for hearings at the same time. Kalafat requested that a hearing be scheduled with both defendants in order to determine how to proceed in the cases.

Judge Danya Dayson granted the defense’s request, scheduling a hearing for July 31 in order for Kalafat and Williams’ attorney, Bryan Bookhard, to decide how to move forward.