Counsel Modifies Murder Defendant’s Protective Order

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During a status hearing Dec. 14, counsel informed a judge about possible modifications to a murder defendant’s protective order.

Giovanti Young is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting Andre Jahmal Johnson, 42, on the 5000 block of H St., SE in 2017. Young, 24, is currently being held without bond.

Counsel told DC Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff that they agreed on a new protective order. Initially counsel intended for the agreement to only be verbal. Modifications to the protective order were not revealed.

Judge Bartnoff said that she would approve whatever modifications both sides agreed on. However, she informed counsel to formally submit the new agreement to Judge Edelman in January.

The prosecution also informed the judge that it did not plan on conducting any DNA testing in the case. However, the defense, who has not seen the evidence collected, said they may request testing.

A status hearing is scheduled on Jan. 25, 2019. A jury trial is slated to begin on June 24, 2019.