Amid Backlog, Judge Schedules Hearings for Seven Murder Defendants

By D.C. Witness Staff - November 23, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | stabbing | Victims |

Amid the backlog created by a suspension of jury trials in the DC Superior Court due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a judge scheduled hearings for seven murder defendants.  

During the Nov. 20 proceedings, Judge Michael O’Keefe scheduled trial readiness hearings for Larry Brown, Edward Brown, Robert Green and Barry Marable. 

Brown, 33, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a prohibited weapon and carrying a dangerous weapon. 

Larry is accused of stabbing 31-year-old Derrick Wright on the 1300 block of Florida Avenue, NE, on March 24, 2018. 

“At this juncture we are prepared to go to trial and not accept the plea offer,” said defense attorney James King. 

This is the second plea offer that the prosecution has extended to Brown. The first one, which the defense  rejected in October 2019, would have reduced his charges to voluntary manslaughter. 

Brown’s trial readiness hearing is scheduled for March 1, 2021. 

Edward, 57, is charged with armed first-degree murder of a senior citizen and armed robbery of a senior citizen for allegedly stabbing 71-year old Michael Mahoney on Feb. 5, 2018 on the 2300 block of 11 Street, NW. 

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley said he wants a medical examiner to testify as an expert witness at the trial, but he is having trouble finding someone due to the pandemic.  

Judge O’Keefe scheduled Brown’s trial readiness hearing for March 4, 2021. 

Green, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. 

Green is charged for allegedly shooting of 43-year-old Andre Junior, who died on the 1500 block of Park Road, NW, on March 15, 2018. 

“There will be no resolution short of trial, “ said the prosecution when Judge O’Keefe asked about the possibility of a plea deal. 

The prosecution also requested that the defense return the evidence they used for DNA testing as soon as possible. 

Green’s trial readiness hearing is set for March 1, 2021. 

Marable is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. 

Marable, 23, is accused of shooting 22-year-old Roger “Tom” Marmet at a BP gas station on the 1200 block of 17 Street, NE, on Oct. 24, 2018. 

Marable’s trial was previously set to begin in three months. Judge O’Keefe scheduled his trial readiness hearing for March 9, 2021, and requested that all parties file their motions by the end of January. 

Keonte Johnson, 22, is charged with armed first-degree murder while committing a robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and armed robbery. 

Johnson is accused of shooting 24-year-old Deandre Hawkins in the process of a robbery gone wrong on the 5300 block of E Street, SE, on April 22, 2019. 

“The parties have reached a disposition,” said defense attorney Anthony Matthews. “We are asking for a date to set a plea hearing.” 

The hearing was set for April 27, 2021, after the parties conferred with the assigned judge, Judge Todd Edelman. 

Paul Daniel, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the death of 59-year-old Kevin Harrison, who was shot on 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE, on Jan. 26, 2019. 

The parties are not ready to move to trial at this time, so Judge O’Keefe scheduled another status hearing for April 27, 2021, to give them more time to prepare. 

Marco Powell, also known as Tyrell Powell, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 22-year-old Semaj Alsobrooks. 

Powell, 23, is accused of shooting Alsobrooks on the 3900 block of East Capitol Street, NE, on Sept. 4, 2019. 

Judge O’Keefe scheduled Powell’s next hearing for April 21, 2021, to give parties time to decide how they are going to proceed with this case. 

Sierra Robbins wrote this article.