Parties Prepared to Continue with Murder Defendant’s Preliminary Hearing

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.

Donate Now

On Feb. 16, parties told DC Court Judge Danya Dayson that they are ready to pick back up with a preliminary hearing that had previously been cut short due to COVID-19 complications.

Kevin Goggins, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Yisa Jeffcoat on the 1600 block of W Street, SE on Oct. 9, 2020.

His preliminary hearing began on Feb. 11, but ended early when defense counsel was informed that a member of their team possibly has COVID-19. This cut the testimony of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective short. The detective is expected to finish his testimony on Feb. 17.

Defense Attorney Kevann Gardner said he plans on calling other witnesses, including a former MPD detective, who both the prosecution and  defense have had a difficult time reaching.

The preliminary hearing will ultimately determine if the case against Goggins has enough evidence to go to trial.

Adriana Montes wrote this article.