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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- July 3, 2019
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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Victims
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During a motion hearing July 1, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman denied a motion to disclose the identity of a witness. The defense requested the witness’ identity so he could reach out for a second interview.
Keonte Johnson is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 25 year-old Deandre Hawkins on the 5300 block of E St., SE. on April 22.
Judge Edelman said he saw no reason why the defense wants to meet with the witness privately. Apparently, the witness refused to speak with Johnson’s defense attorney, Anthony Matthews, during a previous meeting at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Matthews, an investigator and the witness were the only people present at the meeting.
Matthews argued that if the meeting wasn’t at the prosecution’s office, the witness would have been more open to talk.
Despite meeting face-to-face, defense counsel wasn’t given the identity of the witness. The prosecution said the witness’ identity is confidential because the witness is in a witness protection program as part of a separate investigation.
Rather than issuing another order for the witness’ identity, Judge Edelman ordered the prosecution to ask if the witness spoke to anybody after the crime occurred.
A felony status conference is scheduled on Sept. 6.