Jury selection ended for the first murder trial to come to the DC Superior Court in more than one year.
Nyekemia Everett, 35, and Malik Hewitt, 41, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 37-year-old Christopher Heard on the 2700 Block of Bruce Place, SE, on April 27, 2017.
When jury selection began on June 30, Judge Neal Kravitz selected 30 potential jurors. On July 1, he saw an additional 30 candidates and kept 15.
The 45 potential jurors were then reduced 16, four of whom are alternates. The trial is expected to begin on July 6 and last until July 23.
Former Chief Judge Robert E. Morin suspended jury trials in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring authorized them to resume in April, with safety precautions in place.
Hewitt and Everett’s previous trial began in February 2020, but Judge Josey-Herring declared a mistrial in August 2020 due to the pandemic, D.C. Witness reported.
Hewitt is also charged with possession of a firearm during an act of violence, felony murder while armed and conspiracy. Everett is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, fleeing a law enforcement officer, attempt to commit robbery while armed, conspiracy and obstructing justice in this case.
