Two co-defendants accused of fatally shooting a victim during a robbery attempt pleaded not guilty during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Dec. 17.
Antoin Whitehead, 24, and Damari Brown, 23, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree felony murder while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Henry Crutchfield on May 27 on the 1600 block of 14th Street, NW, in front of Barcelona Wine Bar. Crutchfield suffered from a single gunshot wound to his chest.
According to court documents, Whitehead and Brown allegedly committed the murder during a robbery attempt. Crutchfield died next to his white Chevrolet Corvette wearing a flashy watch, bracelet, necklace, and earrings. A forensic investigator from the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) reportedly recognized Crutchfield as someone who worked with the OCME.
At the hearing, the court arraigned the defendants on the indictment charges against them. Whitehead’s attorney, Elizabeth Weller, and Brown’s attorney, Madalyn Harvey, entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of their clients and asserted their right to a speedy trial.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a detention hearing on Feb. 20.
