Attorneys Fail to Sever Two Defendants in Gang-Related Homicide Case

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Defense attorneys in a homicide case filed an unsuccessful motion to sever two defendants from the complex litigation before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 31. “According to the third superseding indictment, the five defendants are members of a crew called ‘Get Back Gang,'” according to a 2024 release from the US Attorney’s Office.

Dionzai Parker, 21, and Demarco Robinson, 20, are two of five individuals charged with conspiracy. Parker is also charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of carrying a rifle or shotgun (outside home or place of business).a

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Clayton Marshall on April 12, 2022, the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Justin Johnson on May 26, 2022, and 37-year-old Brice Djembissi on Feb. 25, 2023. All incidents occurred on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE

During the hearing, Dionzai Parker’s attorney, Karen Minor, requested he be severed from the rest, arguing that his involvement in the murders for which he is not charged are only group chats in which he did not participate. Additionally, she argued that all these murders are not connected, “Parker is only charged with one murder… this becomes guilt by association.”

Wole Falodun, representing Robinson, adopted Minor’s argument and additionally stated that Robinson is only charged with conspiracy. “The evidence against Demarco mainly consists of appearances of text chat and a rap video, this risks guilt by association… there is no evidence that shows Mr. Robinson participated in any kind of murder or any type of assault,” he told Judge Ryan.

This all stems from Parker’s and Robinson’s alleged involvement in gangs is said to operate in the Henson Ridge Neighborhood.

Judge Ryan stated neither of the arguments made by the defense attorneys get close to proving severance is applicable. Judge Ryan stated, “The evidence the [prosecution] proffers and the overt acts that accompany the grand jury’s indictments are sufficient to keep Mr. Robinson and Mr. Parker in the trial.”

All five defendants are set to reconvene on April 18.