Defense Counsel Requests Case Dismissal

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A murder defendant’s attorney asked a DC Superior Court judge to dismiss a case because the prosecution did not meet a deadline.

Roscoe Jones is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Mark Mosley, 33. The shooting occurred on the 600 block of 46th Place, SE on Feb. 24, 2019.

Jones’ attorney, Mani Golzari, asked Judge Edelman to dismiss the case because the prosecution gave itself a deadline on Dec. 13 to gain an indictment and has not secured one.

“The prosecution essentially gave itself a deadline of today and we haven’t seen an indictment yet,” said Golzari.

Golzari said that if the judge is not willing to dismiss the case then he should released Jones on a nominal bond because he has another case that would compel him to show up to hearings.

Golzari also asked that the prosecution address witness issues and disclose the necessary documents.

“I haven’t received any information about this witness since the preliminary hearing.  I need that information,” said Golzari.

The prosecution made representations at the bench as to why the indictment was delayed and also said that the nine-month period to gain an indictment ended in “early January 2020.”

Judge Edelman said that because of the representations the prosecutor made at the bench he still believes that they are working diligently on gaining an indictment and therefore denied the motion to dismiss.

He also said he would be willing to discuss terms of release after the indictment is secured because he believed “it would be a better suited discussion at that time, rather than now.”

A felony status conference is scheduled to occur on Jan, 3, 2020.