Brothers Plead Not Guilty During Homicide Arraignment

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On Jan. 5, two brothers pleaded not guilty during a felony arraignment in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Davon Alston, 21, and his brother Juvan Alston, 22, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Dennis Simms on the 800 block of Yuma Street, SE on July 1, 2022.

Juvan is also charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

During the arraignment, Stephen LoGerfo and Madalyn Harvey, the Alston’s defense attorneys, alerted the court that both brothers were pleading not guilty to all charges and asserted their constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

A trial date was previously set for April 2025.

Parties are slated to return to court May 10.

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