Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty in Homicide Case, Judge Orders Them Detained

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DC Superior Judge Maribeth Raffinan ordered two defendants to remain detained following their not guilty plea during an arraignment on July 10.

Darnell Resper, 31, and Michael Sanders, 29, are charged with first-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, attempt to commit robbery while armed, conspiracy, unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Youness Zarouaki on Feb. 18, 2021, on 1000 block of Thomas Jefferson Street, NW.

During the hearing, Sander’s attorney, Kevin Robertson, and Jason Clark, Resper’s attorney, told Judge Raffinan that the defendants were pleading not guilty to all charges.

Robertson also requested for Sanders to be released with a GPS monitoring system, saying the defendant does not pose a danger to the community.

Prosecutors opposed the request, citing Sanders’ criminal history and lack of previous compliance.

Judge Raffinan sided with the prosecution. She denied Robertson’s request for release.

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Zarouki was found on a sidewalk with a gunshot wound to his neck. Despite being transported to the hospital, the victim succumbed to his injuries.

Parties are scheduled to return Aug. 28.