Convicted Homicide Defendant Requests New Trial 

By Betty Yigebahal [former] - April 24, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Following a conviction and the appointment of new counsel, a homicide defendant filed a motion for a new trial, claiming the case was mishandled by his previous attorneys. 

Marvin Lopez, 43, was found guilty by a jury of premeditated first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Evelyn Arroyo on Dec. 24, 2014, on the 3900 block of 14th Street, NW. 

Lopez was arrested in 2016 in El Salvador, his native country, and extradited to the District to face charges for the incident. 

During trial, the prosecution relied heavily on cell phone records and witness testimony. They presented several messages between Lopez and Arroyo, showing multiple threats made by Lopez, such as “You’re going to die. I swear it” and  “We’ll see each other soon”.

Following his conviction on Nov. 14, Rachel McCoy and Justin Okezie withdrew from the case, citing Lopez’s claims they were “ineffective… and whether this potential ineffectiveness resulted in [Lopez] being convicted.”

In a hearing on April 24, newly appointed defense attorney, John Machado, implied that the case wasn’t handled properly because Lopez felt McCoy and Okezie pressured him not to testify. 

The defense in arguing for a new trial also suggested witnesses giving potentially dishonest testimony and requested an evidentiary hearing. 

However, the prosecution argued, other than suspicion, there are no facts, that support the need for an evidentiary hearing. 

Judge O’Keefe said he specifically told Lopez during the trial he had every opportunity, whether his lawyers agreed or not, to testify, and Lopez waived his right. 

The judge continued the hearing to give the defense time to file paperwork to provide a good reason to delay sentencing and schedule an evidentiary hearing.

Parties will meet again on May 24.