Absent Counsel Delays Murder Case

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On April 19, a murder defendant’s hearing was rescheduled to June because counsel for both the defense and prosecution was not present in court. 

Stephen Maye is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 46-year-old Derek Anthony Walcott on the 5100 block of B Street, SE in 2018.

Apparently, Maye’s defense attorney, Emily Stirba, is on leave, so unassigned counsel stood in for both the defense and the prosecution.  It’s unclear why the prosecution was absent.

According to court documents, Walcott was stabbed at least 24 times. Maye, 49, was found near the scene of the stabbing with Walcott’s wallet. 

A felony status conference is slated to occur on June 14.