Judge Grants Defense’s Request for Witness’s Information

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A DC Superior Court judge granted the defense’s motion for a witness’s identification on Sept. 10.

Demetrius Pierce, also known as Orlando Little, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 68-year-old Nazir Ahmad on Nov. 3, 2018, on the 900 block of Brentwood Road, NE. Pierce is being held without bail.

Judge Todd Edelman granted the defense’s motion to gather identifying information for a witness that may be an alternative suspect in the crime. 

However, the motion was granted in part with a protective order that will prevent defense counsel, Jeffrey D. Stein, from sharing the witness’s identity with Pierce. Stein may only share the name and birthdate of the witness with his co-counsel. 

Stein discussed his reason for requesting the identifying information off the record.

Pierce is being linked to the crime by a red baseball cap that was found in an area near the crime scene, containing his DNA.

Pierce is scheduled for a status hearing on Jan. 31, 2020, where the defense will decide if independent DNA will be conducted.