Shooting Victim Spends ‘Everyday in Pain’

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a shooting defendant to 18 months incarceration, time he already served, and three years of supervised release on April 14.

Keith Walker, 31, pleaded guilty on Dec. 8, 2025 to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business for his involvement in a March 7, 2024 shooting. The incident occurred on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE, where one individual was shot in the ankle.

The victim was present for the hearing virtually and said that the shooting “significantly impacted” his life. Bring absent from his daughter’s life has affected her “health and well-being.” Before the shooting, the victim said he was an “active father” and was “making sacrifices” to be a part of his child’s life.

Now, the victim said that he spends “everyday in pain” and is “stuck like this” for the rest of his life. He has a rod in his leg, which affected his employment and impaired his ability to attend his citizenship appointments, the victim said.

The prosecution argued that although Walker had no prior adult convictions, the nature of the shooting was “very violent.” Walker knowingly brought a firearm to a location he knew children would be present, according to the prosecution. They argued Walker should be sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, with credit for time served, which is at the maximum of the sentencing guidelines.

Walker’s attorney, Tamara Jones, explained that her client is “sympathetic” and “apologetic” for his involvement in the shooting. Walker is in full compliance with his release conditions and participated in a plumbing class while he was in DC Jail, according to Jones.

This was not an isolated incident, Jones argued. There were “mitigating factors” and Walker was “never the aggressor,” she claimed. Jones said Walker was “previously attacked” by the victim.

Before the shooting, Walker worked a government job for an agency that “would like to rehire him” after he resolves this case, noted James.

Jones said Walker has already served over 18 months. She requested that Walker be released from GPS monitoring with no probation.

Walker said he would “like to apologize” and “take responsibility for [his] actions.”

Judge Arthur asserted that the victim “could have died.” He acknowledged that Walker had no record, was working, and had support from family members before the shooting. Even though he had “never been in trouble,” the shooting was “avoidable,” according to Judge Arthur.

Judge Arthur sentenced Walker to 18 months incarceration and three years of supervised release for assault with a dangerous weapon. Concurrently, Judge Arthur sentenced him to 12 months incarceration and one year of supervised release for carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business.

Walker will get credit for time he served in DC Jail and will not have to serve any additional time. He was on release pending sentencing and was taken into custody by the US Marshals once parties were dismissed. Walker will be transported to DC Jail where they will calculate the time he has served. Once they are done, he should be released, according to Judge Arthur.

There are no further dates scheduled at this time.

Judge Orders Full Mental Competency Evaluation in Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur ordered a full competency evaluation by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) for a stabbing defendant on April 15.

Aaren Striplin, 44, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 900 block of G Street, NW on July 4, 2025. The victim sustained stab wounds to both legs.

Striplin’s defense attorney, Adgie O’Bryant, requested a preliminary competency screening on April 10. After the initial screening, DBH concluded that additional evaluation was needed.

To stand trial, Striplin must understand the charges against him and be able to assist his attorney in his defense.

During the hearing, Judge Arthur accepted the DBH request for further evaluation and ordered a full competency evaluation.

Striplin expressed his discontent with getting re-evaluated, stating he had already been deemed competent. Striplin addressed Judge Arthur and stated, “I want to say I’m not guilty in front of a jury.”

According to court records, Striplin was found incompetent to stand trial on July 17, 2025. After treatment at Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Striplin was deemed competent to stand trial on Dec. 11, 2025. He was then transferred to DC Jail.

Judge Arthur explained that he is not ordering Striplin to return to Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital at this time.

Striplin verbally requested a “speedy trial” from the court.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 28.

Judge Encourages Probation Stabbing Defendant to ‘Keep it Up’ With Drug Treatment

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro discharged a show cause hearing for a stabbing defendant on April 15 despite a series of failed drug tests.

Janette George, 39, was sentenced on June 21, 2024, to seven months of incarceration for assault with a dangerous weapon and 30 days of incarceration for simple assault, followed by 18 months of supervised probation. Both charges were committed against a senior citizen.

George must undergo mental health assessments and transition to the community through the Re-Entry and Sanctions Center (RSC), a residential facility. The conviction stemmed from her involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the unit block of O Street, SW on Nov. 6, 2023. The victim sustained a laceration to the right hand.

According to court documents, George engaged in a verbal altercation with the victim and victim’s family in their front yard. The argument turned physical when George produced a knife and cut the victim.

During the hearing, a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) appeared via WebEx to provide an update regarding George’s probation. She informed Judge Di Toro that George was compliant and “doing great.”

However, according to the representative, George consistently tested positive for PCP. The representative requested a continuance in the hearing to allow more time to receive George’s results from her most recent drug test.

Rather than granting the continuance, Judge Di Toro, decided to discharge the show cause hearing because she wanted George to focus on drug rehabilitation.

As a result, George will remain under CSOSA’s supervision as she participates in a drug treatment program.

Judge Di Toro encouraged George to “keep it up” with her compliance.

No further dates were scheduled.

Judge Dismisses Homicide Defendant’s Conspiracy Charge, Still Sentenced to Some 132 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson dismissed a conspiracy charge for a homicide defendant after a mandate from the Court of Appeals on April 10.

Derek Turner, 34, was sentenced on March 13, 2023 to more than 134 years for conspiracy, first-degree murder, among other charges related to his involvement insome a shooting of 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter on March 1, 2017 on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE. McPhatter succumbed to his injuries on March 5, 2017. Turner was also convicted of the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Devin Hall on Jan. 7, 2017 on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE.

Ronnika Jennings, 47, was convicted and sentenced for accessory after fact for her involvement in the same incidents.

A ruling from the DC Court of Appeals filed on Feb. 26 remanded the conspiracy conviction, shortening Turner’s sentence by two years. Because the prosecution presented insufficient evidence to prove Jennings’ conviction, which was reversed. Because Jennings’ charge was dismissed, the related charge against Turner for allegedly conspiring with her was likewise dismissed.

Judge Dayson asked the prosecution and Turner’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, if they objected. Neither of them did.

No further dates were set.

Domestic Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty to Assault With a Dangerous Weapon

A domestic violence shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on April 8.

Willis Warren, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in shooting –a woman he was romantically involved with on the 2000 block of E Street, NE on Jan. 14.

At the hearing, Warren’s attorney, Gregory Copeland, informed the court that his client accepted a deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, which carries a maximum of 10 years imprisonment. In exchange, the prosecution agreed not to seek indictment with greater charges. Judge Hertzfeld acknowledged and accepted the agreement.

The prosecutor said if the case had gone to trial, the evidence would have proved that Willis shot his romantic partner after a fight as she got into her friend’s car, injuring her leg.

Copeland requested that Judge Hertzfeld release Warren under home confinement, stating this was his first offense and he had a stable job for 19 years. Judge Hertzfeld denied this request due to the nature and severity of the case.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on June 8.

Judge Serves Domestic Shooting Defendant With Civil Protective Order

A domestic shooting defendant was served with a Civil Protective Order (CPO) during a hearing on April 14 before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Robert Young, 70, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Nov. 1, 2025 on the 1000 block of 8th Street, NE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Young allegedly arrived at his residence where he lived with his girlfriend on the night of the incident and argued with his girlfriend’s goddaughter, who recently moved in with them. Young reportedly grabbed a firearm from a closet and threatened his girlfriend, along with her goddaughter and her grandson.

Later, Young allegedly left the residence through the back alley, and then fired a single shot. All three victims and a witness reported hearing the blast.

ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection surveillance system used by law enforcement agencies, detected a single round fired.

During the hearing, Young was served with a CPO, a court order protecting an individual from someone in a special relationship with the victim accused of violence against them. No details were given on the contents of the mandate.

A stay-away order for the three victims had previously been ordered on March 25 by DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond, according to court records.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 27.

Judge Asks Homicide Defendant to Keep Current Attorney After Multiple Trial Delays

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman requested a homicide defendant waive his right to a new attorney in a hearing on April 14 in order to expedite the proceedings.

Joshua Franklin, 40, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Andrew Session on Jan. 21, 2021 on the 4400 block of 3rd Street, SE. Session sustained 12 gunshot wounds.

All of Franklin’s charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during his release for a prior offense.

According to court documents, the Public Defender Service (PDS) represented Franklin for the last four years, with four different PDS attorneys.

In a hearing on March 20, Judge Edelman received a note from Franklin requesting a trial delay to obtain new counsel, and reject plea negotiations. However, At the end of that hearing, parties concluded that Franklin wanted to withdraw his request and proceed with his current attorneys.

At the current hearing, Judge Edelman expressed his concern with Emma Mlyniec’s representing Franklin because of “past non-effective representation” from PDS. Mlyniec was co-counsel under former defense attorney Joseph Yarbough before he resigned from PDS without providing “proper advice,” to Franklin, said the judge.

Judge Edelman requested that Franklin have an informal or handwritten waiver, meaning that he would like to proceed with his current representation at a trial, and not request a new attorney later in the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 6.

Defendant Rejects Plea in Drug Deal Turned Stabbing

A defendant accused of a stabbing during a drug deal rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on April 14.

Steventh Logan, 37, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Jan. 19 on the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue, NE. The victim sustained a laceration to the left calf.

According to court records, the victim reported that he was meeting “Juan,” who he later allegedly identified as Logan in a photo police showed him, to purchase cocaine when an argument reportedly broke out between them regarding money. Logan then allegedly retrieved a knife from his pocket and stabbed the victim before fleeing.

During the hearing, Logan rejected an offer from the prosecution that would have required him to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, the prosecution would not seek an indictment with additional charges.

Daniel Dorsey, Logan’s attorney, requested a trial date after his client rejected the plea offer.

Parties scheduled a trial date for June 16.

Parties are slated to reconvene for trial readiness on June 5.

Judge Sets 2027 Trial For Co-Defendants in Robbery, Attempted Carjacking Case, Denies Release

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel set a March 2027 trial date for four co-defendants in an attempted carjacking and robbery case during a hearing on April 17.

Anthony Taylor, 18, and Laurence Cotton-Powell, 19, are charged with attempted carjacking, three counts of robbery, and three counts of assault with intent to commit robbery. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in two separate incidents on Aug. 3, 2025.

The first, an assault and robbery at 2:50 a.m. at a Sunoco gas station on the 1400 block of U Street, NW. Then, an unarmed carjacking at approximately 3 a. m. on the 1400 block of Swann Street, NW.

At a previous hearing on March 20, the parties were unable to set a trial date due to scheduling conflicts and the late addition of a co-defendant, Michael Coker, 26, who is charged with one count of assault with intent to commit robbery for his alleged involvement in the Sunoco incident. Judge Israel instructed attorneys to confer and provide workable dates.

Kavon Strong, 20, is charged with receiving stolen property $1,000 or more. According to court documents, on Dec. 18, 2025, police reportedly observed Strong attempting to sell a watch he knew was stolen in the Aug. 3 robbery.

At the hearing, Judge Israel revisited scheduling and emphasized the need to move forward. She stated that, after reviewing the parties’ availability, the only feasible trial window was in March 2027. Although defense attorneys detailed conflicts, including prior trial commitments and personal obligations, Judge Israel declined to delay the matter further. She stated she would not continue to negotiate scheduling during the hearing.

Ultimately, Judge Israel set the trial for the week of March 1, 2027. She also ordered that all motions be filed four weeks prior to the trial date.

Taylor’s attorney, Kevann Gardner, requested his client’s release, citing his lack of prior criminal history, compliance with court appearances, and participation in educational programs while incarcerated. Gardner also noted that Taylor would have been detained for approximately a year and a half by the time of trial.

Judge Israel denied the request, citing the strength of the evidence and the violent nature of the offense. She also referenced a prior finding from DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum on Nov. 6, 2025, that Taylor posed a danger to the community if released.

Parties for all four co-defendants are slated to reconvene on Feb. 5, 2027 for a trial readiness hearing.

Judge Denies Stabbing Defendant Probation After Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced a stabbing defendant to 120 days incarceration with no probation on April 7 after she accepted a plea offer.

Thelma Speed, 32, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing on the 200 block of 51st Street, NE on Jan. 6. The victim sustained lacerations to both hands and his left forearm.

During the hearing, the prosecution extended a plea offer that required Speed to plead guilty to simple assault and possession of a prohibited weapon. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss any greater charges and not seek an additional indictment.

Speed’s attorney, Darryl Daniels, accepted the plea deal on behalf of his client.

The maximum penalty for simple assault is 180 days incarceration and the maximum penalty for possession of a prohibited weapon is one year’s incarceration.

Had the case gone to trial, the prosecution said they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim brought Speed back to his apartment as an argument broke out. Speed then stabbed the victim with a knife. These actions had no legal justification and were not in self-defense.

The prosecution requested Judge Pipe sentence Speed to 180 days incarceration for both charges, running concurrently, with no probation. According to the prosecution, Speed has a criminal history and two active warrants in New Jersey. She also tested positive for cocaine and PCP during her arrest.

Daniels also requested 180 days, all suspended except for time served in favor of one year probation. He said probation is an opportunity for her to show “[Speed] is ready to make changes.”

Speed does not wish to return to New Jersey, according to Daniels, except to resolve the warrants.

Before sentencing, Speed said to Judge Pipe “Thank you for teaching me a lesson,” and asked for a chance to turn her life around.

As a result, Judge Pipe sentenced Speed to 120 days incarceration for both charges served concurrently, however she was denied probation meaning she could be subject to immediate legal sanctions. Speed will get credit for time served and must pay.

There were no further hearings scheduled in this case.

Judge Allows Homicide Defendant’s Transfer For Maryland Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan lifted a detainer holding a homicide defendant in DC, allowing his transfer for a case in a different jurisdiction in a hearing on April 10.

Jayvon Thomas, 22, and Lavar Hunter, 21, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempt to commit robbery, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Anwar Wingate on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW, on Nov. 19, 2023.

Thomas was released in this case in April 2024, less than two months later in June 2024, Thomas was arrested in an unrelated matter in Maryland. Parties did not specify the charges Thomas faces in Maryland.

A detainer was put out on Thomas, which keeps him in DC instead of Maryland.

Thomas’ attorney, Sylvia Smith, argued that they would not be asking for a 120 day trial in the DC case and asked if the detainer could be lifted so he could continue his case in Maryland.

Judge Ryan said as long as they are not requesting a trial date then he will “squash the detainer.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 14.

Defense Says Prosecutors Failed to Preserve ‘Physical, Real, Tangible Evidence’ in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found that the prosecution failed to provide material evidence to the defense belonging to a homicide victim on April 14.

Jamil Whitley, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Kevin Redd, 32, on the 4700 block of Jay Street, NE on June 11, 2020. Redd sustained gunshot wounds to his left shoulder, left forearm, and chest.

Before the jury entered, Whitley’s attorney James Brockway argued that the prosecution did not preserve a bag of marijuana found in Redd’s pockets, failing to share all material evidence with the defense upon request and information that may prove Whitley’s innocence. Prosecutors allege Whitley gave the marijuana to Redd before his death. Brockway said forensic testing of the bag could have disproved this or provide Whitley information necessary for his defense.

Brockway said this was “physical, real, tangible evidence” the prosecutor should have maintained.

“The [prosecution] had a duty to preserve, and they did not preserve,” Brockway said.

The prosecutor said the marijuana was not preserved because there was no indication at the scene that it would be relevant to the case. The prosecutor said it was a very small amount and noted marijuana is legal in DC.

“None of that has anything to do with issues of materiality,” Brockway responded. Brockway added that prosecutors could not prove the marijuana did not contain an illegal substance.

Judge Dayson agreed that, while the marijuana would not have necessarily proved Whitley’s innocence, it was tangible evidence that should have been preserved. She ruled that the loss of the bag violated the defense’s right to material evidence, though it was not a failure to provide exculpatory evidence.

Brockway requested Judge Dayson impose sanctions on the prosecution and at the very least, instruct the jury about the missing evidence.

With the jury present, the defense called a former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who retrieved Redd’s belongings from the hospital where he was treated, including two clear bags of marijuana. The belongings were placed in a white bag. The officer said he attempted to look in the bag in hopes of identifying Redd, but a homicide detective at the hospital told him not to.

The officer said that after leaving the hospital with the property, he returned to the crime scene and met with a Department of Forensic Services (DFS) evidence technician. After talking to a detective on scene, the technician kept certain items and returned the rest to the officer. The marijuana was among the returned items.

The officer said he brought the returned items back to the police station, where he filled out a property record. He then left Redd’s belongings in the property room for the clerk to process. The marijuana was listed on the property record presented to the jury as evidence.

On cross-examination, the prosecution confirmed that the officer arrived at the hospital before the homicide detectives did. However, Brockway clarified that the detectives were present when a nurse handed the officer the marijuana.

Prosecutors called an employee in the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) from the trial graphics unit, who showed videos of who prosecutors allege was Whitley and Redd at a Shell gas station, on the 4300 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE.

The USAO employee discussed that the video showed the movement of the suspect vehicle from the Shell to the alley where the shooting occurred. The video also showed that vehicle leaving the scene.

Prosecutors also called an MPD sergeant who performed a search of MPD records that showed Whitley did not have a concealed carry permit or a firearm registered to him on the day of the incident.

Without the jury, Brockway motioned for a judgement of acquittal. Brockway said, even if the evidence is viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution, it is largely based on inferences. He noted that the videos did not depict an argument between Whitley and Redd and no one saw the shooting or could attest to bad blood between the two.

Brockway concluded there was not sufficient evidence of premeditation. Brockway said the charges against Whitley depend on him having a gun, but since he cannot be clearly seen with one in the video and no one testified to seeing him with one, he should be acquitted on all charges.

The prosecutor argued there was evidence that Whitley had a gun because he was the only person seen with Redd near the time of the incident and the cause of death was gunshot wounds.

“Two people go into an alley, one person comes out,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor said there was evidence of premeditation because Whitley left the gas station and returned in a different vehicle wearing a surgical mask. According to prosecutors, a video showed Whitley taking something from his pocket and pointing it at the other car.

Judge Dayson denied the motion to acquit all charges, but did not yet rule on the premeditated first degree murder while armed charge. She said that while a reasonable fact finder could conclude Whitley caused Redd’s death, she was unsure if they could find premeditation. She said she would review the evidence and decide.

The defense also called a Public Defender Service (PDS) supervisory investigative specialist to testify. She said the day prior to her testimony, on April 13, she took photos and measurements of the area where the shooting occurred. The investigator said there was a break in the fence leading to Jay Street and a walkway leading to Sheriff Road that someone could exit the alleyway through without walking on to 47th Place, where prosecutors said Whitley’s car drove away from the scene.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 15.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, Judge Denies Release

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman denied a defense attorney’s request for release during a homicide defendant’s arraignment on April 15.

Charles Mitchell, 47, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstructing justice. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 55-year-old Clay Hargrave on July 26, 2025, on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, which also left a surviving victim with non-life-threatening injuries.

Mitchell pleaded not guilty to all 11 counts after the court formally read his charges.

Terrence Austin, Mitchell’s attorney, requested Mitchell’s release from the DC Jail because he has a wife and two children living in Virginia. Austin said although Mitchell does not live in DC, the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) could still monitor him.

Austin said Mitchell was a productive member of society prior to his arrest because he earned a high school diploma, was employed as a truck driver, and his two prior criminal cases occurred more than 25 years ago. He also claimed Hargrave attacked Mitchell, before the shooting occurred.

Hargrave’s family was present in court, and the prosecutor said they opposed Mitchell’s release.

Judge Edelman denied Austin’s request because of the seriousness of the charges and said video evidence shows Hargrave did not attack Mitchell.

Mitchell indicated he would like new defense counsel, and Judge Edelman said he would consider the request at the next hearing if Mitchell’s concerns persist.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 15.

Judge Sentences Non-Fatal Shooter to 6 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a shooting defendant who left a victim paralyzed to six years’ imprisonment on April 15.

Ke’Shaun Farmer, 27, pleaded guilty on Feb. 13 to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 3700 block of Jamison Street, NE, on Feb. 18, 2025, that left the victim partially paralyzed.

Judge Edelman sentenced Farmer to six years’ imprisonment with five years’ supervised release for the aggravated assault charge and five years’ incarceration with three years’ supervised release for the possession charge.

The sentences will run concurrently, consistent with the parties’ sentencing agreement in the plea deal.

The victim’s father spoke in court and said if the victim had not crawled out the door, and a neighbor had not placed a towel on the wound and called the police, the victim would be dead.

“Everything for my family changed, but most of all it changed [the victim],” his father said.

He said Farmer, who he said was supposed to be the victim’s friend, did not call the police and was “nowhere to be found” after the shooting, demonstrating a lack of remorse.

The father said he did not agree with the sentence but had to respect Judge Edelman’s decision.

Bernadette Armand, Farmer’s attorney, said she has known Farmer for 10 years and was proud to stand next to him as he took accountability. She said evidence shows Farmer demonstrated remorse “since the moment it happened” and attempted suicide after the shooting.

Armand said Farmer will lose everything he has not lost already, including his job, home, and co-parenting his child. She requested he is held as close to DC as possible, so his family can visit.

Judge Edelman said the incident began with a minor, mutual fistfight, then Farmer pulled out a gun.

He said Farmer had 2022 cases involving possession of cocaine and a large ammunition feeding device but recognized the non-violent nature of those charges. He noted that Farmer accepted responsibility by taking a plea deal early on in the case.

Judge Edelman recommended Farmer obtain a GED while imprisoned and seek employment upon release. He said Farmer will need to register as a gun offender upon release.

He said he would request Farmer be imprisoned within 120 miles of DC.

No further dates were set.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant For Homicide Defendant Held in Georgia

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park issued a bench warrant for a homicide defendant held in Georgia for another case on April 15.

Dijon Williams, 26, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and attempted to commit robbery while armed. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Nurudeen Thomas on the 4100 block of 14th Street, NW, on July 21, 2020.

Prosecutors stated Williams’ case in Georgia has not been scheduled for a preliminary hearing, and no trial date is expected until next year unless a special request is made. The prosecution explained they are in contact with Georgia authorities, but have limited information about the timeline of proceedings.

The prosecution requested a bench warrant to ensure Williams’ return to DC, citing uncertainties surrounding his release and the need to maintain progress in the DC case. David Knight, Williams’ attorney, opposed the request, noting that they had no concrete information about the status of the Georgia case, but that it could potentially be dismissed or updated within the next week.

Judge Park granted the prosecution’s request, issuing the bench warrant and noting the importance of tracking developments in Williams’ Georgia case.

The judge also discussed the next steps depending on Williams’ custody status. If released in the Georgia case, the court will address how to ensure his appearance in DC. If he remains detained, the parties will work to coordinate his transfer ahead of his trial in DC, scheduled for Sept. 22.

The parties were instructed to keep Judge Park updated on any developments in the Georgia case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 14.

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