Counsel Argues Over Access to Names in Homicide Case

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In a status hearing on Feb. 17, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun granted the defense’s motion for reconsideration, requiring the prosecution to provide the defense with access to the names for the surviving victim and witnesses.

Terrance Oxner, 23, and Aaron Adgerson, 19, are both charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed for their connection to a mass shooting on the 1400 block of Good Hope Road, SE. The shooting resulted in the death of Edward Wade, 22, on Jan. 25, 2021.

Oxner is also charged with conspiracy, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction. All offenses were committed during release.

Adgerson is also charged with conspiracy, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed.

At the hearing, Oxner’s defense attorney, Madalyn Harvey, expressed frustration with the prosecution’s refusal to provide the names of the witnesses and the surviving victim, which she needs for lab testing of DNA evidence.

The name requirement for testing appeared to be an issue that neither the defense nor Judge Okun had seen before.

“This seems to be a manufactured issue,” said Harvey.

Harvey also said the defense was constitutionally entitled to the names of the surviving victim.

Adgerson’s attorney, Stephen Logerfo, agreed with Harvey’s statements and the request.

The prosecution said the names would not be provided until much later, approximately one month before the trial was set to start.

However, Judge Okun granted the defense’s motion and ordered that the names be given to the defense sooner.

The prosecution is required to provide names within 10 days of receiving a protective order for the surviving victim in order for DNA testing to proceed.

The parties are scheduled to return May 19 for a status hearing.

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